VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been told he can bounce back from the disappointment of crashing out of Europe with Celtic by breaking into the Dutch national side.

Louis van Gaal has so far resisted calls to call up the 22-year-old defender and is now planning warm-up matches ahead of next summer's World Cup finals.

But, even if Van Dijk does not make the breakthrough in time to book one of the 23 tickets to Brazil, experienced Dutch international midfielder, Nigel de Jong, has seen enough of him in the two Champions League ties between the Hoops and AC Milan to be confident his time will come.

The 28-year-old Rossoneri star was a key player in Milan's comprehensive victory over Celtic on Tuesday, when Van Dijk did not have his best game for his new club.

But he remains convinced the defender's quality will take him far, and that he can soon join him in the Dutch squad.

De Jong knows the Champions League was the best chance Van Dijk had of grabbing attention and said: "I had sympathy for Virgil on Tuesday.

"But, this is a man's game, and he knows that this is a part of the game.

"He has a bright future. He's still young, and, if he keeps playing like this, I think he will soon be called up for the Dutch squad.

"He's a strong, fit lad, and he adapted quite well to the game.

"We (Holland) have a need for some defenders at the moment, so he is welcome.

"That's up to the coach. But, if Virgil continues like this and develops himself, I think there will be a bright future."

Asked if Van Dijk could be involved in the World Cup finals, De Jong said: "It's a little bit early to say.

"But, if he proves himself, you never know.

"I'd just say to Virgil to develop himself and to keep being strong, really strong."

It will be a huge test of Van Dijk's character to maintain his current rate of progress without the demands of Champions League football to stretch him.

Like everyone else at the club, he must shake off any possible hangover from exiting Europe.

And De Jong could not hide his surprise at how tamely the Hoops succumbed on Tuesday.

He said: "I was expecting a little bit more from Celtic.

"We put them under pressure immediately and took the chances with our counter-attacks.

"We had two corners and got two goals, so that also showed our qualities."

De Jong hopes this is a corner turned for the side which was winning away for the first time in this troubled season.

"We're not in a good place at the moment, but three points and 3-0 is very welcome," he said

"We were satisfied with that."