Van Basten calms Ruud fears

Holland coach Marco van Basten has reassured Ruud van Nistelrooy that his World Cup place is not in danger despite being dropped by Manchester United.

Van Nistelrooy was left on the bench for United’s Carling Cup final victory over Wigan and has struggled to regain a starting place since with Louis Saha playing well in his place.

The striker had talks with Van Basten last week to clarify his position with the national side.

Van Basten told Voetbal magazine: “I have made clear to him that he doesn’t need to worry about the national team at all.

“I think that he will get more playing time this season in Manchester. And if that’s not the case, that’s also no problem.”

When Holland won the European Championship in 1988 van Basten was their star player, netting a stunning volley in the final against the Soviet Union.

And he revealed: “I had problems myself in 1988 with playing little but I went to Germany as well and we know what the result was.”