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Derry determined to keep place

Shaun Derry is determined to hang onto his place in the QPR team as Harry Redknapp continues to strengthen the struggling side.

Last Updated: 18/01/13 at 09:19 Post Comment   

Shaun Derry: Undaunted by prospect of new QPR arrivals

Shaun Derry: Undaunted by prospect of new QPR arrivals

After finding playing time limited under former boss Mark Hughes, 35-year-old Derry has been given more opportunities since Redknapp took over at Loftus Road at the end of November, starting three of Rangers' four games in 2013.

The Hoops have been linked with moves for several new players this month as they prepare to fight to keep their place in the Premier League, with Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila on Redknapp's wishlist.

But Derry, whose career has seen him take in stints across the leagues at clubs including Notts County, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Leeds, is in no hurry to relinquish his spot in the first-team after waiting so long to play in the top-flight.

"I've played in every league in English football so being at this level means the absolute world to me," he told The Telegraph.

"I read the papers and when players are being spoken about coming into my position, I can't do anything about it except do my job.

"It doesn't unsettle me. I'm quite a strong character. I've always been written off throughout my career.

"I'd find it hard to find myself out of the side when I feel I've been doing OK. Harry seems to appreciate the role I'm providing.''

He added of M'Vila: "I read reports that he's a very good player. Hopefully I can play alongside him."

Derry says he is enjoying the chance to prove himself under Redknapp and feels the atmosphere in the dressing room has improved since his arrival.

"We've had so many changes in such a short time. We really do need to have a rhythm with a manager, a group of coaches and a settled bunch of lads to get a team spirit going," he said.

"There were arguments. We are still in a very precarious situation.''

Asked if the mood has changed for the better he added: "Definitely. It is only because we've got Harry at the helm.

"It would be very easy for me to sit here and slag Mark because he didn't play me but I had respect for him because he was the manager. For me, he wasn't the kind of manager you could sit down and have a conversation with. That was his way. It surprised me.

"Was I sad to see him go? I felt for him. It's not nice when you see people lose their jobs. But many times in my career I've seen managers come and go.

"I know if I'm not in the frame with one guy, another door might open with the next. I looked forward to a different opportunity when Harry came."

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