ADO Den Haag's Danny Buijs says he is gradually returning to full fitness after struggling with injury.
Den Haag midfielder hoping to reclaim starting spot
ADO Den Haag midfielder Danny Buijs says he is gradually returning to full fitness after struggling with a hamstring problem.
The 28-year-old made just his second outing of the season on Sunday as he returned from injury to appear off the bench in the 1-1 draw at NEC Nijmegen.
Versatile Buijs, who can also play in defence, says he has now set his sights on reclaiming his spot in the first team.
"I am fit, but not match-fit," Buijs told
Haaglanden Football. "I have spent the past two weeks training with the young ADO Den Haag side.
"So I have to slowly and gradually build it up again until I'm knocking on the door of the starting line-up."
Den Haag currently sit seventh in the Eredivisie standings and Buijs, who has been watching their progress from the sidelines, is pleased they were able to recover from their two opening defeats.
Atmosphere
"Unfortunately we lost the first two games but it was already good football," he said. "The atmosphere and mood has really changed since pre-season.
"We may well have a good season. We can keep each other sharp."
Buijs feels Den Haag's opponents are taking the side more seriously following their string of good results, which includes a 1-0 triumph over European giants Ajax in Amsterdam.
When asked if other clubs were looking at Den Haag differently, Buijs added: "Maybe. If you look at our results in recent times that could well be possible.
"After the win in Amsterdam and the Cup there is something different in the look of ADO Den Haag."
