Ex-Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal AXES Tim Krul from Netherlands squad for ‘refusing to take part in penalty tests’

FORMER Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has AXED veteran goalkeeper Tim Krul from Holland's World Cup squad.

Krul, who has been a regular in the squad since his debut in 2011, was omitted from the 25-man shortlist ahead of his country's upcoming Nations League fixtures against Poland and Belgium.

Despite missing out on a call-up, he was invited to take part in specialist penalty practice with the other goalkeepers at the Dutch team's training base this week.

However, the 34-year-old declined the offer and now his international career is in doubt.

Van Gaal said: "Krul called me to tell me that he will pass.

"I thought it was a shame, because I know that he stops the most penalties in terms of statistics.

"There is no future for him at the Orange, because he did not want to come. That is the consequence of his decision.

"I've always thought that you can train a penalty kick.

"Not the moment and the pressure, but you can automate your process and that gives confidence.

"I have convinced the boys that they can do something with it, that players at the club will train for penalties.

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"You cannot change the training policy at their club, but you can request them to practice their own penalty kicks."

Krul was famously brought on by Van Gaal for a penalty shootout at the 2014 World Cup.

He saved two spot kicks against Costa Rica to send Holland through to the semi-finals.

The keeper is currently a regular in Dean Smith's Norwich line-up.

He has already made 10 appearances so far this season for the Canaries, who currently sit second in the Championship table.