AMSTERDAM :Mexx Meerdink has been handed a first call-up by the Netherlands as they look to find additional striking options for this month's World Cup qualifiers.

Coach Ronald Koeman on Friday named the 22-year-old from AZ Alkmaar in a 24-man squad for Group G qualifiers against Malta in Ta’ Qali on Thursday and Finland in Amsterdam on October 12.

Meerdink comes into the squad as cover because Dutch record goalscorer Memphis Depay has played only 45 minutes for his Brazilian club Corinthians since the qualifiers last month, where he set a new mark of 52 goals for the national team.

Depay is in the squad but Feyenoord striker Sem Steijn, who made his debut as a substitute in the last game against Lithuania, has not been retained while there is also no call-up again for Brian Brobbey, wh

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