Ajax defender Veltman debuts in Netherlands squad

AMSTERDAM (AP) Ajax defender Joel Veltman was rewarded for strong recent form with a first summons to the Netherlands squad on Friday.

Coach Louis van Gaal named Veltman in his 23-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Japan and Colombia.

The 21-year-old central defender looked composed on Wednesday as Ajax beat Celtic 1-0 in the Champions League.

Van Gaal also called up PSV Eindhoven winger Luciano Narsingh, who has returned to form with his club after recovering from injury.

Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg replaced Swansea keeper Michel Vorm in the squad.

Stekelenburg and Narsingh have not played internationally for more than a year.

The Netherlands plays Japan on Nov. 16 in Genk, Belgium, and three days later takes on Colombia in Amsterdam.

All three teams have qualified for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

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Netherlands:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Maarten Stekelenburg (Fulham).

Defenders: Daley Blind (Ajax), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Paris Saint-Germain), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Jetro Willems (PSV).

Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Stijn Schaars (PSV), Kevin Strootman (Roma), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg).

Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Luciano Narsingh (PSV).