Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is confident he is close to full fitness after inspiring Holland to a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in a pre-Olympic tournament in Hong Kong yesterday.

Holland’s Olympic football coach Foppe de Haan insists Liverpool winger Ryan Babel remains keen on playing in Beijing despite the concerns of his club coach Rafael Benitez.

Holland Under-21s 4 Serbia Under-21 1s

Republic of Ireland Under-21 team manager Don Givens saw plenty of positives for the future even though his young side suffered a 1-0 defeat to reigning European Champions Holland in Venlo last night.