Boerrigter relieved after winning comeback

Derk Boerrigter hailed Ajax’s strength in the wake of the Amsterdam giants’ 5-0 Eredivisie win over title rivals Heerenveen on Wednesday.

The reigning champions have been plagued by injury in the 2011-12 campaign, but nonetheless managed to stay in the title fight, and have even raced three points clear of second-placed AZ with only five games to go.

With numerous key figures now starting to return to fitness, Boerrigter believes the squad’s depth will aid Ajax in the run-in, even if it creates a dilemma for coach Frank de Boer.

“It’s already been said before, but we have a bit of a luxury problem. It’s up to the coach to decide who will play, but he can’t go wrong as all the players are great,” Boerrigter told Goal.com.

“The guys who have played in recent weeks have done a great job and have won a lot of games. With players such as Kolbeinn (Sigthorsson) and Gregory (van der Wiel) returning from injury as well, I guess it’s fair to say that we have excellent strength in depth.”

The winger made his return from injury after a five-month absence in the 5-0 win over Heerenveen, and was delighted to be back after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“I’m obviously very pleased with the three points. We want to win the league title and really needed this victory. For me personally, it’s great to return to the pitch again and feature for 45 minutes,” he said.

“The coach told me shortly before the break that I would play in the second half. That made me focus on my imminent comeback.

“It’s fantastic that the fans were chanting my name. That gives me a really good feeling.”

Boerrigter joined Ajax from RKC in the summer of 2011, and has so far made 14 Eredivisie appearances for the club, scoring four times in the process.