ANDONI Iraola says Justin Kluivert missing out on a call-up for Euro 2024 is proof of “how difficult it is to play for your national team”.

Kluivert was hoping his fine form for Cherries would earn him a recall for the Netherlands for this summer’s tournament in Germany.

In his debut season at Cherries, the 25-year-old scored nine goals and provided two assists in 36 appearances.

But the lively attacker remains stuck on two senior international caps, which both came way back in 2018.

Asked if he feels Kluivert can feel hard done by to miss out on the Euros, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “You realise now how difficult it is to play for your national team, especially with some countries.

“You see the French players that are not going to be involved and that is a hell of a team.

“Or the Dutch players, or German players. You say it is impossible he is not involved, but for sure there are reasons.

“Every national team coach is thinking ‘we are going to play this way, I need this profile, this other profile and probably it is a shame, but I cannot fit everyone’.

“With Justin, it is a little bit the same.

“He finished the season very strong. He has made the numbers.

“He is in a good place. But it is strong opposition.”

Without Kluivert, Ronald Koeman’s Dutch side began their tournament with a 2-1 win over Poland, thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Wout Weghorst.

They face France tonight, before rounding off their group games against Austria.