Louis van Gaal: 'Wesley Sneijder still important'

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has reassured Wesley Sneijder that he is an important part of his plans for the future.

The Galatasaray midfielder was forced to limp out of last Friday's 3-0 win over Estonia and his replacement, Rafael van der Vaart, came off the bench to score a goal.

However, Van Gaal has admitted that when fit, Sneijder is one of his key players.

"Sneijder is my captain and I will not drop him just like that," Van Gaal told a press conference.

"Sneijder, Van der Vaart and [Adam] Maher are the candidates for the number 10 position. That's why I added Maher to the team when Wesley had to pull out."

Sneijder has made 91 appearances for the Oranje.