Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy took a step closer towards a Holland return today.

The Real Madrid forward was named by Oranje coaches Marco van Basten and John van't Schip in a 33-man provisional squad for the friendly against Switzerland on August 22.

Van Nistelrooy, 31, is included for the first time since the 2006 World Cup after coming out of international retirement at the end of May after making his peace with Van Basten.

United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar, defenders Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa), Mario Melchiot (Wigan) and Andre Ooijer (Blackburn), midfielders Denny Landzaat (Wigan) and Arjen Robben (Chelsea) and strikers Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (Celtic) are the other British players named in the provisional squad.

The final squad will be announced on August 17.