Celtic striker out of Dutch squad

Vennegoor of Hesselink's country are in Scotland's qualifying group

Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has pulled out of the Netherlands squad for World Cup qualifiers against Iceland and Norway.

Vennegoor of Hesselink picked up a groin injury during the 4-0 Scottish Premier League victory over Hamilton Academical on Saturday.

He has since told Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk that he is unable to feature in the Group Nine games.

The Dutch host Iceland on Saturday and travel to Oslo four days later.

Norway, who drew their first group game at home to Iceland, are away to Scotland on Saturday before facing the Dutch.

A statement on the KNVB website confirmed the news of Vennegoor of Hesselink's absence.

"Van Marwijk will, for now, not call up a replacement for the 19-times capped international," it stated.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Saar had made a surprise return to the Dutch squad.

The 37-year-old called time on his international career after Euro 2008 having earned 128 caps.

But he left the door open for a possible return, saying he would play if Van Marwijk needed him, and the coach responded by calling on his services with Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg missing through injury.

With reserve goalkeeper Henk Timmer also carrying an injury, 24-year-old FC Utrecht goalkeeper Michel Vorm was named in the squad for the first time.

Also back in the squad was Real Madrid's Wesley Sneijder, who had been out for two months with a knee injury but has not played for his club side this season.

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura has been quoted as vowing to return in time to face Inverness Caledonian Thistle on 18 October after playing for Japan against the United Arab Emirates in a friendly and then facing Uzbekistan in a World Cup qualifier next Wednesday.