Euro snub hurts Van der Vaart

Rafael Van der Vaart has admitted he is angry at being omitted from Tottenham’s Europa League snub.

Van der Vaart played in the qualifying first leg against Hearts but subsequently suffered a hamstring tear in the 5-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Spurs opted against including him in the initial squad after reports suggested he could be sidelined for up to two months with the problem.

However, the Dutchman has made a rapid recovery and admits he is unhappy he won’t be able to play any part against PAOK on Thursday night.

“In England they are not interested in the Europa League – only the Premiership,” van der Vaart said in the Sun.

“But I would have loved to play in the Europa League. It would have helped me regain some rhythm.”

“I still think it’s a peculiar situation,” he added on his official website.

“Spurs could at least have consulted me. Anyway it’s up to the point of no return. I will be focusing on the game against Liverpool.

“I’m pretty convinced I will be fit by then thanks to Dick van Toorn.”