Martins Indi’s Stoke move has reignited international career

Holland boss Danny Blind insists Bruno Martins Indi’s move to Stoke City has been the key catalyst for the defender’s return to the international fold.

Martins Indi’s last game for his country was Blind’s first in charge as the Dutch slipped to a defeat to Iceland in Euro 2016 qualifying – the defender also receiving a red card.

But since then he has joined Stoke on loan from Porto and formed a reliable centre back paring with Ryan Shawcross.

Mark Hughes has since admitted he is looking to make Martins Indi’s move a permanent one to the Potters and Blind likes what he has seen from the defender.

Martins Indi was an unused substitute in this week’s draw with Belgium but with a World Cup qualifier coming up against Luxembourg the stage could be set for him to add to his 31 Dutch caps.

“Bruno did not have the best time at FC Porto and was then gone from the team,” he said.

(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

“He made a good transfer, in the sense that he is a solid starter there. And at Stoke City, who are certainly a nice team.”