Van Nistelrooy confident of start

Holland striker Ruud van Nistelrooy revealed Friday he will be in the starting line-up for the Dutch side in their play-off first-leg game against Scotland at Hampden.

Van Nistelrooy has been unhappy at playing second fiddle to Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert in recent months and his frustration came to a head when he a touchline spat with coach Dick Advocaat after being substituted in their group qualifying game against the Czech Republic.

Advocaat dropped van Nistelrooy for the following match against Moldova but it appears the two men have settled their differences.

After a training session at a rain-soaked Hampden van Nistelrooy said: "Yes, I think I'll be starting the game.

"The manager didn't tell us the team but in training I got a clue.

"We never kissed and made up as such but whatever happened has happened and it's forgotten about and as a man you move on.

"But it will be a hard game and we have to make sure we are in a good position for the return game in Holland."

Confident Dutch defender Giovanni van Bronckhorst insists it is inconceivable that the Dutch would not make it through to the finals in Portugal next summer.

The Arsenal star, currently on loan at Barcelona, claimed the Dutch squad - despite rumours to the contrary - are in the right mood to ensure qualification over the two legs.

He said: "No, I don't think it's conceivable that we won't make it through.

"If we lose the play-off it's going to be a huge disappointment and we don't want to talk about that.

"The mood in the squad is very good - as it always is.

"People say there are differing camps within the team but everyone is fine and all the players are confident and very excited at playing at Hampden."

Holland defender Frank de Boer however, insists the game won't be a formality for the visitors, not least because some of the Dutch squad are playing for their international futures.

He said: "It's the most important game of the year for us and for Scotland, so we must give everything to get to Portugal.

"But it won't be easy. Never. You don't have teams that you easily beat.

"Maybe we are the favourites but we expect a very good and aggressive Scotland and I'm sure we'll have a difficult game.

"I expect four or five players are playing for their international future and I know personally that if we don't go to Portugal the play-off games will be my last two games for Holland.

"Scotland will have the fans behind them but we'll try and play our own game and hopefully it will be enough."