Wisgerhof answers Netherlands call

FC Twente captain Peter Wisgerhof has received his first international call-up after being named in the Netherlands' 23-man squad for forthcoming UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden.

The 30-year-old, capped 13 times by the Under-21s, has been drafted in by Bert van Marwijk to provide cover at centre-back after Hedwiges Maduro was ruled out with a hamstring problem. "Wisgerhof has proven himself at a high level and in European matches," said the coach. "He's a good defender who can also contribute going forward."

Ron Vlaar, Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben are all missing through injury while PSV Eindhoven defender Wilfred Bouma, returning after a lengthy absence, told Van Marwijk he is "not ready yet". The Netherlands, who kicked off Group E with back-to-back wins against San Marino and Finland, are away to Moldova on 8 October before facing Sweden in Amsterdam four days later.

Netherlands squad
Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (AFC Ajax), Piet Velthuizen (Hércules CF), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht).

Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart), Peter Wisgerhof (FC Twente), John Heitinga (Everton FC), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburger SV), Gregory van der Wiel (AFC Ajax), Vurnon Anita (AFC Ajax), Erik Pieters (PSV Eindhoven).

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (PSV Eindhoven), Mark van Bommel (FC Bayern München), Theo Janssen (FC Twente), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City FC), Stijn Schaars (AZ Alkmaar), Wesley Sneijder (FC Internazionale Milano), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Demy de Zeeuw (AFC Ajax).

Forwards: Eljero Elia (Hamburger SV), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC), Jeremain Lens (PSV Eindhoven), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Hamburger SV).