Robben grateful for Van Gaal faith

Arjen Robben has said he is grateful to Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal for continuing to select him to play for his country.

The former Chelsea winger has frequently had to settle for a place on the bench at Bayern Munich behind the likes of Franck Ribery and Thomas Mueller this season.

Van Gaal, now in his second stint as Dutch boss, worked with Robben during his two-year spell at Bayern, and the 29-year-old revealed his satisfaction at being involved with the national team.

“To come into national team is like a warm shower. It gives you a really good feeling when the coach has the faith in you that (Van Gaal) has; he has always supported me,” Robben said.

The Netherlands drew their friendly game with Italy on Wednesday night after Marco Verratti’s stoppage-time goal cancelled out Jeremain Lens’ first-half strike.

Robben has returned to his club, though Mueller and Mario Mandzukic are likely to start again in Saturday’s match with Schalke, ahead of Robben and Mario Gomez.