Van der Sar questions Van Nistelrooy, Van Bommel omission

AMSTERDAM, Aug 16 (Reuters) Dutch captain Edwin van der Sar believes coach Marco van Basten made a mistake in excluding striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and midfielder Mark van Bommel from his future plans.

Both players were left out of the squad for today's friendly international match against Ireland in Dublin.

''I was surprised they were not invited,'' Van der Sar told NOS-TV. ''I expected Van Basten to invite them.'' ''They are both good players, who could be used in our team.'' The Manchester United goalkeeper, who has shelved thoughts of retiring from international football, made his feelings known to Van Basten.

''Edwin (van der Sar) came to us with his opinion and it is good to see he thinks in the team's interest,'' Van Basten told reporters in Dublin.

''We listened to him and spoke about it, but after all the technical staff is responsible.'' Van Nistelrooy won the last of his 54 caps in the 0-0 draw with Argentina in their final group match at the World Cup finals in June. He was left on the bench throughout the second round defeat by Portugal. Van Bommel played in two of the three group games and against Portugal.

Netherlands start their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign on September 2 against Luxembourg.

REUTERS DH KN1651