Pearce: I'm not up to the job

STU DID WELL ... Pearce consoles tireless skipper Scott Parker

As for naming Scott Parker as his skipper yesterday, Pearce said: "There were probably two or three players I looked at and thought about, but I thought Scott would grow with the role. He's well respected in the group.

"He's an extremely unselfish player. With all those things in the mix, he was an ideal man to captain the team. All the players just needed a bit more belief that they could go and hurt opponents of this ability."

Asked about his own performance, the current England Under-21 boss said: "I don't see it as a big night for me. I'm not auditioning for anything.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed the last few days. I'm used to managing and being around squads.

"The staff and players have been focused and their attitude has been excellent. You can't guarantee results but I couldn't have asked for more.

"This won't affect my mentality in any way — I'll be the same man tomorrow as I was this morning."

Dutch boss Bert van Marwijk said: "I'm always glad after winning a game. For a team, it's important to win here.
The first half was about us being solid. We were more able to counter-attack in the second half. I never said it was a great game from our side, but it was a much better second half.

"Huntelaar is in hospital because we do think he has suffered some damage to his head, but he looked better in the dressing room than he did on the pitch."

Arsenal striker Van Persie played only the first half but is fit for Saturday''s clash at Liverpool.

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