Netherlands take Slory to Asia

Andwele Slory has received his first call-up as the Netherlands prepare for their friendly fixtures against Korea Republic and Thailand on 2 and 6 June.

Seedorf excused
The 24-year-old SC Excelsior striker has been named alongside forward Romeo Castelen and defender Mario Melchiot, neither of whom have played for the national team since 2005. Khalid Boulahrouz, Arjen Robben and Boudewijn Zenden miss the trip to Asia through injury while UEFA Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf is excused as his wife is expecting a baby. Captain Edwin van der Sar is also omitted having agreed with coach Marco van Basten that he will sit out friendlies. The Oranje play Korea Republic on 2 June before taking on Thailand four days later.

Netherlands squad
Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (AFC Ajax), Henk Timmer (Feyenoord).

Defenders: Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa FC), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (FC Barcelona), Tim de Cler (AZ Alkmaar), Johnny Heitinga (AFC Ajax), Kew Jaliens (AZ Alkmaar), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburger SV), Mario Melchiot (Stade Rennais FC).

Midfielders: Nigel de Jong (Hamburger SV), Denny Landzaat (Wigan Athletic FC), Wesley Sneijder (AFC Ajax), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburger SV), Demy de Zeeuw (AZ Alkmaar).

Forwards: Romeo Castelen (Feyenoord), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (AFC Ajax), Danny Koevermans (AZ Alkmaar), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC), Andwele Slory (SC Excelsior), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic FC).