Ruud gives up on Holland return

RUUD van Nistelrooy does not expect to be called up to play for Holland again as long as Marco van Basten remains coach of the national team.

The former Manchester United striker – now at Real Madrid – has not figured on the international scene since being substituted against Argentina in the final group game of the World Cup in Germany.

And after failing to make the squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Albania next month, Van Nistelrooy has admitted that his time is up – for the moment at least.