Feyenoord in hunt as race continues

Feyenoord defender Miquel Nelom believes the Rotterdam-based club should not be ruled out of the Eredivisie title race ahead of their clash with leaders PSV Eindhoven. Feyenoord have slipped into fifth place behind FC Twente in the overall standings following their 1-1 home draw against RKC Waalwijk last weekend. But Feyenoord are still only four points behind PSV, and Nelom knows Saturday's game could have a huge impact on his side's fortunes at the end of the season. "In the media lately there has been a lot of speculation about our chances for the championship," Nelom told AD. "In the group of players that feeling isn't as strong. We want to directly qualify for a place in European football, that's the goal. However, we also understand that a gap of four points to the lead is not much. "The fans know that it can go in any direction. We look from one game to the next - that sounds boring, but that's it. It is true that there is not one team in the league that can arguably play much better than Feyenoord." Meanwhile, Twente will host FC Utrecht following their UEFA Europa League round of 32 second-leg tie against Steaua Bucharest today. McClaren: Dutch sides can compete Twente coach Steve McClaren, who returned to the club for his second spell in charge at the start of this year, believes the success of Dutch teams in European competition can only boost the domestic competition. "It is very good for Dutch football if it really works out," McClaren told Telegraaf. "Europe can see that the Dutch clubs can compete against big clubs in Europe. "The level in the Europa League is getting higher with great teams like Manchester City and Manchester United. It is not only good for the clubs, but also for the Dutch players, who can develop by playing in European competitions." Vitesse Arnhem coach John van den Brom has been handed a boost ahead of his side's match against RKC as Wilfried Bony has signed a contract extension until 2015. The 23-year-old Ivorian striker has scored nine goals in 17 games and Van den Brom believes he will continue to go from strength to strength. "As a trainer, I can only be very satisfied with this news," Van den Brom told AD. "Wilfried is not our first-choice striker for nothing. He is young and talented. I am convinced that he is much better and certainly will play at the highest level possible. Until then, he sits firmly in place with us." Elsewhere, Heracles midfielder Lerin Duarte has set his sights on reaching the play-off places. The Almelo-based club play lowly VVV Venlo this weekend and Duarte is focused on claiming a win that could propel Heracles one step closer to the top eight. "Of course I have ambitions," Duarte told AD. "We are tenth but here we go to fight and then we'll see. We want to reach the play-offs. I'm happy here and can still learn a lot under this coach. For now here I am good." Other fixtures In the other games, NAC Breda host ADO Den Haag while bottom side De Graafschap will be hoping to secure vital points when they travel to Roda JC. Fellow strugglers Excelsior will host Ajax, who, like PSV, AZ Alkmaar and Twente, return to league action from European competition. Second-placed AZ host third-placed Heerenveen while NEC Nijmegen host FC Groningen.