Memphis Depay and Robin van Persie in training ground bust-up

The coach claimed that Van Persie’s omission was based on the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker’s level of fitness and Blind played down the disagreement as something that happens often on the training pitch. “It was a discussion during a training about a ball that should have been given over”, Blind said.

‘There are sometimes situations in training where players think differently.

‘I felt Robin was not fit enough to start.

“As a young player I was completely in awe of him”.

The Netherlands, third at the World Cup previous year, can only make next month’s playoffs if Turkey lose at home to Group A leaders Iceland on Tuesday while they beat the second-placed Czech Republic at home in Amsterdam in their final match.

Robin van Persie is set to win his 100th cap during Saturday’s must win game, and the Netherlands captain is refusing to give up hope on qualifying for the Euros.

“At one time I was so looking forward to getting my 100th cap”, said van Persie.

While tensions with Dutch squads have been a common occurrence since the 1970s, Van Persie’s clash with Depay follows the 32-year-old’s disastrous start to life in Turkey with Fenerbahce.

“But let me explain who was my guide to a great balance in life. I find it baffling that people don’t get that”. “I still believe this Club can, and should, be up there with the top teams”, he added.

Netherlands penultimate Euro 2016 qualifier takes place on Saturday with the Oranje needing a victory in Kazakhstan.

Dutch hopes rest on Turkey, who are away at the Czech Republic, dropping points.

“It is now up to us to ensure we bag the full three points in both of our last two games”. We must win and that’s the only thing that I can influence’.

Holland coach Danny Blind, whose son Daley also plays for United, was forced to play down the incident, report the Manchester Evening News.