Robben eyes starting spot

Arjen Robben plans to prove his worth to Holland coach Marco van Basten in the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers with Romania and Slovenia.

Arjen Robben plans to prove his worth to Holland coach Marco van Basten in the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers with Romania and Slovenia.

The Real Madrid winger has returned to the Oranje squad after a six-month absence due to a knee injury.

However, the 23-year-old is facing a fight for a starting place after a number of players, including Liverpool‘s Ryan Babel, excelled in his absence.

Robben told AD Sportwereld: “I always think once I am in the right form, I am of great worth to the team. I want to show that for Holland.

“I also have to see what my status is right now. It is certain that the choices up front are wider now although it might be that there still isn’t a left wing striker with my specific qualities just yet.

“Ryan Babel can play there, true. But he is a different type of player.”

Defender Tim de Cler is aiming to continue his rich vein of form for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie in an effort to force a recall to the squad.

De Cler, who moved to De Kuip from AZ Alkmaar in the summer, was overlooked for the forthcoming doubleheader.

The 28-year-old, who has 10 international caps, was part of the initial 27-man squad but was one of three players cut by Van Basten.

“You of course hope that you will be part of the group that will play the qualifiers,” De Cler told www.fcupdate.nl.

“Playing for Oranje is something I really like, so it is rotten not to be selected.

“Did Van Basten explain to me why he let me go? No, that’s not the case. I have had no contact with him. I will not call him either.

“The only thing I can do is play good football at Feyenoord. I am in good form, so it is important to keep it up. Maybe I will be part of Oranje next time.

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