Van Nistelrooy wants to play at 2008 Olympics

AMSTERDAM, Oct 19 (Reuters) Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed an interest in representing the Dutch under-23 side in Beijing if they qualify for the 2008 Olympics.

''Ruud (van Nistelrooy) told me he really wants to go to the Olympics with the under-23 team,'' Charles Van Commenee, technical director of the Dutch Olympic committee, told reporters.

''Playing at the Olympic Games has always been Ruud's dream.'' Van Nistelrooy, 30, was dropped from the Dutch senior squad after the World Cup finals in Germany and the disaffected striker declined a call-up when asked to replace the injured Klaas-Jan Huntelaar earlier this month.

The Dutch under-23 team still has to qualify for Beijing. Teams are allowed to field three over-age players at the Games.

Reuters AY VV2033