Ruud included in Dutch squad
Thursday, August 03, 2006

Ruud van Nistelrooy is selected in the Dutch squad for a friendly with Ireland later this month despite his falling out with coach Marco van Basten.

Ruud was left on the bench as the Dutch were knocked out by Portugal in the last 16, leading to speculation that his international career was over.

Van Basten also includes striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in a 31-strong squad.

Huntelaar was overlooked for the World Cup despite scoring 33 goals in 34 Dutch league games last season.

Also named for the August 16 friendly in Dublin were two other players overlooked for the World Cup -- Middlesbrough captain George Boateng and Feyenoord winger Romeo Castelen.

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