Intrigued Strootman awaiting Netherlands hand

A newcomer to the Dutch national team, Kevin Strootman is approaching the end of perhaps the most eventful 12 months of his career.

In January, the midfielder joined FC Utrecht from Sparta Rotterdam and a few weeks later made his senior debut for the Netherlands in a friendly against Austria. If that was not progress enough, the 21-year-old then switched clubs again, signing for Eredivisie heavyweights PSV Eindhoven in the summer.

Speaking about his elevation from the Under-21s to Bert van Marwijk's squad, Strootman told UEFA.com: "Well, it actually happened in a press conference, so I heard [about] it the same way as the media and other people. [Utrecht] were preparing for another game, a cup game. I was sleeping in my hotel and then I heard it. I had 20 missed calls and several text messages, and I learned I was part of the squad."

Thrilled to be among a group that possesses "so much quality", Strootman is looking forward to tomorrow's UEFA EURO 2012 final tournament draw at 18.00CET in Kyiv. The Oranje breezed through qualifying, winning nine matches in succession until Sweden ruined their chance of a perfect ten-game campaign with a 3-2 victory in Solna.

"At a European Championship different teams will rise to the occasion," said Strootman, who has scored once in ten internationals. "Perhaps that will happen with the Dutch team, I don't know. I've never experienced a tournament like that. I will be more nervous during that draw than normal. I'll be watching it on television."

To hear more of Strootman's thoughts on how the Netherlands are progressing ahead of next summer's championship in Poland and Ukraine, watch the video above.