Edwin Van der Sar claims he is the one to thank for resurrecting Dutch team-mate Ruud Van Nistelrooy's international career.

The ex-Manchester United striker was axed from the Holland squad after a bust-up with boss Marco van Basten.

But United's number one has said he persuaded van Basten to sort out their differences and recall the Real Madrid star.

Two years after quitting international football, the 31-year-old forward is set to lead Holland's attack in their opening Euro 2008 clash against Italy in Group C.

"As captain of the national team, it is one of my duties to pick up signs from the team and express them to van Basten," the 37-year-old keeper told the News of the World.

"For some time, the Van Nistelrooy row was a subject the players discussed with me. I thought I could speak up and give my assessment of it.

"It was never, ever an attack on the coach - it was more a backing up of Ruud.

"I didn't understand it but I'm not the coach. But when Ruud was selected again, I though it was a good thing that van Basten had acted on our discussion," he said.