Versatile Van Persie proves value to Dutch team

AMSTERDAM, Oct 8 (Reuters) Robin van Persie proved his versatility as a central striker by grabbing an equaliser for the Netherlands yesterday and could play the same role for the Dutch again after an injury to Dirk Kuyt.

Kuyt limped out of the 1-1 draw with Bulgaria in Sofia soon after Martin Petrov had fired the hosts into an 11th minute lead in the Euro 2008 Group G qualifier.

Van Persie was pushed into leading the line and responded by heading an equaliser to extend the Netherlands's unbeaten streak in qualifiers to 16.

''Robin did well as a central striker,'' coach Van Basten told reporters. ''He is a complete player who can fill in every position up front.

''I believe my team really has quality. In the first half we should have played with more pace but after the break that improved.

Despite tough circumstances we played well and created enough chances. We should have won.'' Van Basten has a striking problem to solve for Wednesday's home match with Albania. Kuyt is a big fitness doubt, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is injured while Ruud van Nistelrooy declined a call-up, still smarting after being dropped after the World Cup.

''Normally we have five or six choices for the central striker position but now we have to think it over,'' said the coach.

''I tried to persuade Van Nistelrooy last week but he refused.'' REUTERS AB KN1822