Van Ginkel delighted with call-up 'reward'

Vitesse midfielder Marco van Ginkel was the notable inclusion in the the Netherlands squad announced today for next week's friendly against Germany. Van Ginkel has been a stand-out performer for his club side, who are currently third in the Eredivisie, just four points behind table-toppers FC Twente. And the 19-year-old was thrilled by his call-up. He told Voetbal International: "During training this morning I heard some people talking about it on the side of the pitch. And after training I heard the news. I am very happy with this beautiful reward. I am looking forward to it. I will enjoy it and, on the field, I will do my best." Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul returns from an arm problem to take his place in the 19-man party for the match in Amsterdam but Wesley Sneijder and Leroy Fer miss out through injury. Kevin Strootman, Luciano Narsingh, Maarten Stekelenburg and Jeremain Lens will be added to the squad should they come through the weekend fixtures unscathed. "I have concentrated on the form of the players," Van Gaal said. "That does not mean that all the players I've called up are in good form but, of course, I need players to form a team." The Netherlands squad: Goalkeepers: Tim Krul (Newcastle), Kenneth Vermeer (Ajax) Defenders: John Heitinga (Everton), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Joris Mathijsen (Feyenoord), Ricardo van Rhijn (Ajax), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Jetro Willems (PSV Eindhoven) Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (Schalke), Urby Emanuelson (AC Milan), Marco van Ginkel (Vitesse Arnhem), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg) Forwards: Eljero Elia (Werder Bremen), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich). From : Fifa