Daryl Janmaat wanted Netherlands game to put himself in shop window

Newcastle right-back Daryl Janmaat was desperate to play for the Netherlands in a bid to attract a new club, according to his national team boss Danny Blind.

The defender was in line to play against France on Friday, but had to pull out of the Netherlands squad with an injury and returned to his Premier League club.

But with Newcastle mired in the relegation zone, Janmaat is keen to use the international break to put himself in the shop window for potential suitors, according to Blind.

"He wanted to be with us as he was dying to be in the spotlight, to attract, maybe, another club in case Newcastle United are actually relegated," he said.

New Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has eight more games to save the Tynesiders, who are three points from safety with a game in hand over Norwich City.

In addition to Janmaat, the club also employ Dutch players Georginio Wijnaldum and Tim Krul, and Blind said playing in England's second-tier Championship could affect their international futures.

"It is worrying for me, but especially for the guys at Newcastle United," Blind said.

"The level they are playing at doesn't necessarily determine their place - it is also about the individual - but it is an advantage to play in the Premier League. Ultimately, it is included in my thinking. They realise that too."