Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been guaranteed his place in the Holland World Cup squad by Oranje coach Marco van Basten.

The Dutch striker was getting anxious that being out of the Manchester United first team was going to wreck his World Cup squad chances.

The Dutch striker, who, even though he has been a bit-part player for Manchester United in recent weeks, is equal top-scorer in the Premiership along with Arsenal's Thierry Henry (currently on 19 goals apiece) has had to allay his fears by speaking to Holland head coach Marco van Basten.

Van Nistelrooy’s United and Holland team-mate, goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, revealed the 29-year-old striker was so worried about his position in the Netherlands squad, he phoned Dutch boss Marco van Basten.

Former Fulham keeper Van der Sar said: “Ruud spoke with Van Basten and they had a good conversation. He can come back again.”

Van Basten has since confirmed the conversation saying: "I made clear to him (Van Nistelrooy) that he should not worry about his spot in the Dutch squad," Van Basten said in an interview with the Dutch weekly magazine, Voetbal International.

Second-placed United play West Ham United on Wednesday looking for a seventh consecutive league win and Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Van Nistelrooy will start.

"It has not been easy for Ruud sitting on the bench but...it has been impossible to leave Louis Saha out since the Carling Cup final, given his tremendous scoring form," Ferguson said in the match programme for Wednesday's game.

"Playing three strikers is possible in some games...but not always because it can leave the wrong balance.

"The one thing that's certain is that all three will play their part and help us maintain the momentum."

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