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Hiddink names Wolfsburg striker Dost in Netherlands squad

Xinhua, March 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink on Friday called up Bas Dost for the forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Turkey and the friendly against Spain.

Dost had alreday received an invitation for the Dutch squad in 2012, but he never played for the national team yet. The 25-year-old striker is on fire in 2015 and scored 13 goals in 14 matches in the German Bundesliga this season.

"Bas had a difficult first half of the season, but after that he converted every chance," Hiddink explained. "I am happy to have him with the squad. He is a player that can cause war on the field."

Captain Robin van Persie is absent due to an ankle injury, while defender Ron Vlaar cannot join the squad due to a calf injury. The Aston Villa defender already suffered from knee and calf injuries earlier this season and only played one international since the World Cup in Brazil last year.

"Vlaar has the same problem with his calf again," said Hiddink. "He is now revalidating. I deeply regret his absence."

The Netherlands are on a disappointing third place with six points from four matches in Euro 2016 qualifying Group A. The Czech Republic (4-12) and Iceland (4-9) are the top two and Turkey are fourth, two points behind the Dutch team. 'Oranje' will play Turkey on March 28 in Amsterdam and Spain in a friendly in Amsterdam on March 31.

Following are the Netherlands squad for matches against Turkey and Spain:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Kenneth Vermeer (Feyenoord), Tim Krul (Newcastle United)

Defenders: Daley Blind (Manchester United), Jeffrey Bruma (PSV), Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle United), Bruno Martins Indi (FC Porto), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Lazio Roma), Gregory van der Wiel (Paris Saint-Germain), Jetro Willems (PSV).

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (Olympiacos), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Napoli), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV).

Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Bas Dost (VfL Wolfsburg), Luciano Narsingh (PSV), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich). Endit