Van Basten Invited To St James' Park

By Matthew Jones
October 29 2004

Freddy Shepherd has invited Dutch team boss Marco van Basten to St James' Park to watch "world class" striker Patrick Kluivert strut his stuff.

Kluivert has not been involved in Holland's recent Worlc Cup Qualifiers and Shepherd said:

"We at Newcastle United just cannot understand how Holland can ignore Patrick Kluivert after the way he has played since he came to St James' Park.

"And I have to say that his performance in the first half against Norwich City was nothing short of world-class until he ran out of steam after the break, which is not surprising because he had been in hospital leading up to the game having his wisdom teeth removed.

"Can you tell me when you have seen a better show than that from a foreign striker at St James' Park?

"Kluivert is on fire for us at the moment and it's great to see.

"It's not for us to tell Holland who they should pick, but what I would say is that Van Basten owes it to Kluivert to come across and watch him in a black-and-white shirt.

"And if he does come, I will give him the best seat in the house."