Kluivert 'still available' for Holland

Newcastle United striker Patrick Kluivert has angrily denied reports of his retirement from international football.

The 28-year-old, capped 79 times by Holland, had reportedly decided to turn his back on the national team to concentrate on club football.

Kluivert told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: “They put words in my mouth. I only told them that I was disappointed in the words of the coach that I am last in the line of strikers for Oranje.”

The former Barcelona striker has not played for his country since the European Championships in Portugal and has been criticised by national coach Marco van Basten.

However, he has left the door open for a return to the international fold by stating that he would consider a call-up should he receive an offer.

“I can now concentrate fully on my club and will try to force a selection for Oranje by playing well and will decide on my future only when I am selected,” added Kluivert.