Netherlands boss Blind explains Fosu-Mensah snub

Netherlands coach Danny Blind has shed light on Timothy Fosu-Mensah's omission from the final squad set to take on the Republic of Ireland, Poland and Austria in upcoming friendlies.

Born to Ghanaian parents in Amsterdam, and having represented the Netherlands at various youth levels, the 18-year-old had been named in the Oranje provisional 31-man squad for the above games - his first ever listing by the senior side.

The former Ajax youth trainee is being courted by Ghana and the Netherlands over his international future since making his senior Manchester United debut in February.

“Timothy is eighteen. There’s a lot to come down on him in recent weeks,” Blind was quoted as saying by the Mirror.

“The reward for this [his impressive showing for United] was a place on the shortlist. I wanted him in the final selection, but you have to be fit. And he’s not one hundred percent fit at the moment.

“That’s too bad. I wanted to see him, but I hope I can still see him at work after the summer.”

Fosu-Mensah's omission from the 26-man squad on Wednesday sparked reports in Ghana that the youngster might have withdrawn over indecision on where to play his international football.

The Black Stars coach Avram Grant and FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi have both publicly expressed interest in the versatile player.