Dennis Bergkamp has been urged not to quit international football by coach Frank Rijkaard.

The Dutch manager wants 31-year-old Bergkamp to reconsider his decision to make Euro 2000 his final international tournament.

Arsenal star Bergkamp came under fire in the early stages of the tournament when critics accused him of not being effective enough.

But he sparkled in the joint hosts' stunning 6-1 demolition of Yugoslavia, creating chances and being denied goals only by some excellent saves.

Rijkaard wants him to help spearhead the Dutch campaign to qualify for the next World Cup. But even if his plea is successful, Bergkamp will be unable to play in Japan or South Korea because of his fear of flying.

And he said: 'We don't want Dennis to finish his career - not yet. He has always made a huge contribution to the team and has scored a lot of goals.'