THE Netherlands international team will hold a minute's applause ahead of their Euro 2020 qualifier against Northern Ireland in memory of the late Rangers fan favourite Fernando Ricksen.

The former Dutch internationalist died at the age of 43 last month after a prolonged battle with Motor Neurone Disease, leading to tributes from all across the world in Ricksen's memory.

Vincent de Vries, who was a friend of Ricksen, confirmed that the Dutch players will lead a minute's applause at Feyenoord's De Kuip stadium ahead of kick-off against Michael O'Neill's side.

READ MORE: Rousing display and stunning European win prove a fitting way for Rangers to honour Fernando Ricksen

He posted on Twitter: "No minute of silence for the late Fernando Ricksen before Holland v Northern Ireland this Thursday in Rotterdam, but a full De Kuip-stadium, including both teams, is going to give the orange hero a BIG HAND."