Koevermans could make Dutch debut

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has added uncapped Danny Koevermans and Ibrahim Afellay to his squad for the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers against Romania on 24 March in Rotterdam and away to Slovenia four days later in Celje.

In-form striker
AZ Alkmaar striker Koevermans, 28, has scored 19 goals in 26 Eredivisie games this season and last night played a big role in the 2-0 win against Newcastle United FC that took his team in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Afellay, 20, is also eligible for Morocco but opted for the Netherlands in January. With Edwin van der Sar's participation in doubt due to a calf injury, Maarten Stekelenburg and Henk Timmer are both included as back-up for the unbeaten Group G leaders.

Netherlands squad
Goalkeepers: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United FC), Maarten Stekelenburg (AFC Ajax), Henk Timmer (Feyenoord).

Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (Chelsea FC), Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa FC), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (FC Barcelona), Tim de Cler (AZ Alkmaar), Urby Emanuelson (AFC Ajax), Johnny Heitinga (AFC Ajax), Kew Jaliens (AZ Alkmaar), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburger SV).

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (PSV Eindhoven), Nigel de Jong (Hamburger SV), Denny Landzaat (Wigan Athletic FC), Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan), Wesley Sneijder (AFC Ajax), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburger SV), Demy de Zeeuw (AZ Alkmaar).

Forward: Ryan Babel (AFC Ajax), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (AFC Ajax), Danny Koevermans (AZ Alkmaar), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC), Arjen Robben (Chelsea FC).