CELTIC'S Virgil van Dijk believes he is ready to play a key role for the Dutch national team.

The imposing centre-half was called up by the Netherlands head coach Guus Hiddink for the second time in his career this week for the European Championship qualifiers against Kazakhstan on Friday and Iceland on Monday.

Despite being part of the group of players chosen to face Italy in a friendly and the Czech Republic in a competitive group game last month, the 23-year-old failed to make it off the bench for either match.

The Hoops stopper's inclusion in that squad was as a replacement for injured Aston Villa ace Ron Vlaar.

But now he is in the batch of first-picked players by Hiddink, Van Dijk has the belief that he can be relied upon to not simply be a bench-warmer for the Dutch.

He said: "Last time I was called up because other players were injured. Now I'm here with the team at the outset.

"I think I'm doing well. I also feel that I am ready for the Dutch national team. I'm obviously very happy that I'm there, but I also hope for playing time."

Van Dijk could be the secret weapon Holland are hoping for this Friday night.

The Dutch have never played a competitive game against Kazakhstan ahead of their meeting in Amsterdam in two days' time.

But Van Dijk featured in the Celtic side which overcame Kazakh side Shakter Karagandy in a Champions League play-off last season.

He said: "We lost the away match against Shakhter Karagandy 2-0. Fortunately, we won 3-0 in Glasgow."

His insight could well prove crucial for the Oranje.