The international career of Hamburg striker Ruud van Nistelrooy appeared to be over when Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk snubbed the prolific hitman for Oranje's World Cup squad. However, the former Real Madrid attacker is now on the verge of a comeback after he was called up for the Euro 2012 qualifier against San Marino to replace the injured Robin van Persie.

"I still feel that I could have been important for the team at the World Cup. I have to admit that I wasn't 100 per cent yet though and that I'm in much better shape now," said Van Nistelrooy in a press conference.

"I respect Van Marwijk's decision and I'm very glad that he has given me a call-up again now. I never expected to make a comeback, but I'm delighted to be back.

"Of course, it's possible that the coach drops me again after the matches against San Marino and Finland. Nevertheless, I will do my utmost to show everybody that I still add something to the team.

"Hopefully, I can keep up my good form until Euro 2012. I know that I'll be 36 years old by then, but you never know what will happen. Look at Andre Ooijer, who played in the quarter-finals of the World Cup at the age of 35. I just want to show what I can do for now."

Netherlands travel to San Marino on Friday night and will face Finland next Tuesday in their second match of the Euro 2012 qualification campaign.