Southampton defender has sights on Holland place.
Southampton centre-back Wesley Hoedt says he is determined to win back his international place with Holland.
The 24-year-old has six international caps after first winning a call up while he was at Lazio.
Hoedt is no longer in favour under current Dutch boss Ronald Koeman, the former Southampton manager who preceded his time at St Mary’s.
Another ex-Saints man is standing in his way, with Virgil van Dijk emerging as the Netherlands’ key defender.
Hoedt told Southampton’s official website that he aims to play his role too alongside the Liverpool centre-back.
He said: “When I first came here, I was a starter for Holland. Of course, Virgil was not fit then, and he is an amazing player and the leader of the national team right now, but I think I can be playing my part as well.
“That’s an ambition for me, and it was really difficult to take – coming here and losing my spot.
“That’s just up to me. It’s always been up to me to respond, play better and become a better player, because I don’t think I’ve reached my full potential yet. I think there’s a lot of improvement still.
“We have really good players and I think Koeman is doing a great job. Regardless of whether I’m selected or not, I think they are going in the right way.”
Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake has also begun to stand out as a regular for Holland, while Ajax centre-back Mattijs De Ligt is being billed as one of Europe’s next great defenders.
Hoedt has his work cut out to re-establish himself and must work on his own form at Southampton first before giving too much attention to his international standing. At 24-years-old he has time on his side.
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