Hoops star Jan aims to be the man for the Dutch against Romania

Tonight in Switzerland, however, he could be caught up in a web of intrigue far bigger than any of the finger-pointing so beloved of Old Firm fundamentalists.

Four nations across Europe are involved as World Cup holders Italy and runners up France face off in Zurich, while awaiting bulletins from Holland versus Romania in Berne.

Hoping for start: Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, pictured in action for the Netherlands in the friendly against Austria, is dreaming of being in the first XI for the match against Romania

Victor Piturca's Romanians could actually lose 2-0 to the Dutch and still reach the Euro 2008 quarter-finals if the other match ends in a draw.

And anyone writing off Adrian Mutu and friends should recall that Marco van Basten's side only finished runners up in qualifying to the boys from Bucharest.

Romania secured a goalless draw in Holland and then beat the Dutch 1-0 at home.

Clearly, tonight's match will be anything but a pushover for the 'Group of Death' winners, no matter their mental approach, and Vennegoor of Hesselink says of the latest encounter: "You want to win every game when you are at a tournament like this, because momentum can be important. We also especially want to do better against Romania because they gave us problems in the qualifiers in a defeat and a draw.

"They are a strong team and, as they've shown against France and Italy, they are well organised."

The Celtic striker will await van Basten's selection deliberations with bated breath.

Barring injuries, tonight looks his only real chance to appear at Euro 2008, given he is part of such an elite Dutch squad.

The Celtic front man added: "You never know, I might get a start in the game. Everyone wants to play in a tournament like this. But there are also players who don't want to be rested and want to play every minute of every game. Let's hope I get at least a few minutes in this tournament - but we'll have to wait and see."

Romania striker Ciprian Marica has no fears ahead of the showdown and argues that he wants to face Holland's best players.

"We have given ourselves a chance to make history for Romania and I'd rather they played their best team and respect the traditions of the game," he said.