Dutch debutants please Van Basten

AMSTERDAM, Aug 17 (Reuters) Netherlands coach Marco van Basten praised debutants Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Stijn Schaars after the side's 4-0 friendly win over Ireland.

The Dutch win meant little against an Ireland side depleted by injury but their performance was refreshing after their disappointing second-round World Cup exit against Portugal.

Van Basten dropped Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mark van Bommel for game and promoted Huntelaar to first choice striker, while Liverpool's latest signing Dirk Kuyt started on the bench.

''It was good to see my team play. We did very well,'' Van Basten told reporters yesterday.

''Klaas just does what he has to do and that is scoring goals. He is very good in doing that.'' Van Basten refashioned his midfield with the retirement of Phillip Cocu. Van Bommel was dropped and Wesley Sneijder decided to stay at home to be with his wife who is expecting their first child this week.

Rafael van der Vaart filled an attacking midfield position and provided support to the strikers.

Denny Landzaat started on the right and AZ Alkmaar youngster Stijn Schaars looked comfortable in his first outing for the national side.

''Schaars played very well'' the coach said. ''He has just the right feeling for positional play.'' The Netherlands start their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign on September 2 in Luxembourg and will also play Belarus, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Albania.

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