Vurnon Anita wants Holland World Cup place

Newcastle United midfielder Vurnon Anita would "love" a place in the Netherlands World Cup squad but admits that playing well for Newcastle is the priority.

The 24-year-old has struggled to hold down a place in the Newcastle starting XI since he made the switch to the Premier League from Ajax at the beginning of last season.

Anita, who has three international caps to his name, remains hopeful of being named in the Holland squad for next summer's tournament in Brazil but said that Newcastle comes first.

"I would love to get to the World Cup but I have to take it step by step and my first priority is for my club," Anita told reporters. "I need to play well to get into the national team. I really hope I can regain my place in the Netherlands squad.

"I think they are looking at everyone and if you play a lot of football and perform well, you will get selected, but first things first and Newcastle are my priority.

"If I do well, it benefits everyone, team and myself too. But yes, of course, I want to play in the World Cup - and this is a good start."

Anita has enjoyed more playing time at the start of this season, having appeared in six of Newcastle's first seven matches.