Dutch joy a big lift for Edwin

The Dutch despair is over for Edwin van der Sar, the Fulham goalkeeper revealed today.

Holland's No1 keeper said the disappointment of failing to qualify for the last World Cup finals with such a talented squad hit him and team-mates hard.

The 33-year-old is buoyant after last week's Euro 2004 play-off success against Scotland and hopes to maintain that feeling when Fulham play Portsmouth at Loftus Road tonight.

The goalkeeper said: "I am in high spirits and it is great to qualify for a major tournament, particularly because we didn't get through to the last one.

"We were really determined to get a result - it was heartbreaking not to get to the World Cup."

Van der Sar did check before joining Fulham that playing for a smaller club would not damage his international prospects, but the current success under Chris Coleman must be enhancing them.

Van der Sar added: "If we are lucky with injuries we have the potential to finish in the top 10 but it is important to get back on track against Portsmouth."

Fulham will be without winger Luis Boa Morte (suspension) and defender Alain Goma (knee).

Meanwhile, Fulham have announced 45-year-old former Celtic director Jim Hone will become chief executive next Monday.