Karim Rekik has been named in the Netherlands’ provisional World Cup squad after an outstanding season with loan side PSV.

The promising young centre back, who made 31 appearances for the Eredivisie outfit this term, has made his country’s 30 man squad for the 2014 tournament which will be whittled down to 23 after a further training camp.

Rekik will be aiming to join City teammates James Milner, Joe Hart and Fernandinho in Brazil – the hosts and England have already announced their final squads.

5 years from now Karim Rekik will be world class... Good decision by Van Gaal to include him..Holland will be the ones to beat! #worldcup

— James Gray (@ThatPaleBoy) May 14, 2014

Elsewhere, Gareth Barry may have missed out on a call from England boss Roy Hodgson, but he has made a sensational impression in his season-long spell with Everton. He chalked up another 90 minutes in the 2-0 victory over Hull to cap off a profitable season in Everton's engine room. 

The midfielder was virtually ever-present in the Toffees’ starting XI, making 37 appearances and scoring three goals. A valuable contributor to the Merseyside outfit’s push for European football, Gareth was substituted just twice and has many fans at Goodison Park – not least manager Roberto Martinez.

Speaking of the possibility of signing Barry permanently, Martinez said: “It’s clear that we want him here for the long, long term and every supporter will tell you that.

“I just hope we can carry on working with Gareth for a long time.

“I don’t think you can replace Gareth because there are not many footballers with more than 500 games in the Premier League.

“He’s a unique talent and I always said that it’s very rare to find a No.6 like that in the English game.”

Gareth Barry's last home game and what a game! Thanks for bringing that class to our midfield, sign him up Bobby lad! pic.twitter.com/nS8CiY5cHc

— Jack Dawson (@Jack_Dawson25) April 20, 2014

Eirik Holmen Johansen was between the sticks once more for Sandefjord as they chalked up a 3-2 win over Honefoss. The Norwegian outfit lie second in the country’s Second Division, level on points with the league leaders after a strong start to the season.  

Back in England, John Guidetti played no part as Stoke triumphed 2-1 over West Brom. He made just six appearances for the Potters, recording one assist, but spoke recently about how the experience has benefited his development.

The striker said: “The fans have been great with me and the manager has played and managed at the very highest level and made an incredible career for himself.

“I have learned a lot from him out on the training pitch and I will always be grateful. I feel I’m getting stronger and better every day."

Scott Sinclair was also not involved in the clash at the Hawthorns. The winger turned out 11 times for West Brom, but saw his season interrupted by a hamstring injury sustained at Old Trafford in September.

The Football League regular season concluded ten days ago, so Emyr Huws, Albert Rusnak, Alex Henshall and George Evans have come to the end of their loan deals in the Championship and League One.