Ruud van Nistelrooy's World Cup hopes have received a boost after Holland coach Bert van Marwijk revealed the veteran striker is still in with a chance of making the squad for South Africa.
Van Nistelrooy was left out of a 26-man training squad named by Van Marwijk yesterday but the Dutch coach insists fans of the Oranje should not read too much into that decision.
Van Marwijk must name his provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup on May 11, and said he will give the former Manchester United striker until the last possible moment to convince the coaching set-up of his worth.
"As for Ruud, I'm giving myself until May 11 to decide," Van Marwijk told De Telegraaf.
"I'm leaving him until that date to convince me that he is sufficiently in shape to take part in the World Cup.
"I have seen a lot of Ruud playing recently and found that I did not have to call on him for a training camp."
The 33-year-old retired from international football after Euro 2008 but had hoped to force his way into Van Marwijk's plans after making himself available for international selection again.
Van Marwijk must name his provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup on May 11, and said he will give the former Manchester United striker until the last possible moment to convince the coaching set-up of his worth.
"As for Ruud, I'm giving myself until May 11 to decide," Van Marwijk told De Telegraaf.
"I'm leaving him until that date to convince me that he is sufficiently in shape to take part in the World Cup.
"I have seen a lot of Ruud playing recently and found that I did not have to call on him for a training camp."
The 33-year-old retired from international football after Euro 2008 but had hoped to force his way into Van Marwijk's plans after making himself available for international selection again.
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
Watch! Referee scores goal in Holland
Wesley Sneijder reveals amazing custom shirt
