AMSTERDAM: The withdrawal of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Mark van Bommel from the Dutch squad has cast a shadow over Euro 2008 qualifying matches against Bulgaria on October 7 and Albania four days later.

Bayern Munich's Van Bommel, called into the squad for the first time since the World Cup finals, said he would not play as long team as Marco van Basten was in charge.

"Van Bommel called me and made it clear that he was no longer available. He was so determined that it was no use trying to persuade him," Van Basten told reporters yesterday.

The coach also approached Real Madrid's Van Nistelrooy to replace the injured Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

"Ruud and I spoke with each other but could find no basis for further cooperation," Van Basten said.

Van Basten said he had not ruled out a return for the striker in the long term.

Van Basten admitted that, had he phoned the pair when he initially dropped them, he might have been able to prevent the breakdown in the relationship.

For the match against Bulgaria Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt will be the central striker with Arjen Robben of Chelsea and in-form Arsenal forward Robin van Persie on the wings in a starting line up of seven English Premiership players.

The match in Sofia will be the first serious test for the Dutch, who have beaten Luxemburg and Belarus in Group G games so far.