I have earned my Premier League chance

I have earned my Premier League chance - QPR - London 24

Tempers flare between Queens Park Rangers' Shaun Derry (third right) and Chelsea's Frank Lampard (second left)
QPR star: I have earned my Premier League chance

Ian Cooper, QPR correspondent Thursday, October 27, 2011
12:21 PM

Shaun Derry delighted with victory over rivals Chelsea

Shaun Derry believes he has earned his shot at Premier League football this season, and says beating Chelsea was an extra special moment for himself and QPR team-mate Clint Hill.

Derry and Hill have trodden identical paths in recent years, helping Neil Warnock’s Crystal Palace avoid relegation from the Championship in 2010, before both followed their manager to Loftus Road to help QPR win promotion to the top flight.

Derry has been a mainstay in the Rs midfield so far this campaign, while Hill was brought back from his loan at Nottingham Forest to fill in at left-back for the injured Armand Traore.

And Derry admits that the two veterans, who have racked up more than 1,000 professional appearances between them, shared a triumphant grin after QPR beat their bitter rivals.

“I have got a bond with Clint, he’s from the same sort of background as myself. We just sat down after the game and smiled to each other,” said Derry.

“You can always rely on Clint – you know exactly what you’re going to get out of him.

“Two years ago we were trying to save Crystal Palace from going into League One, now we’re here and playing against the likes of Chelsea.”

Derry made his 600th career appearance against the Blues, and epitomised QPR’s spirit as he kept Frank Lampard under wraps for much of the game.

The 33-year-old former Sheffield United, Portsmouth and Leeds United player admits that at times he doubted he would ever get his chance to play in the Premier League – and says he is enjoying every moment.

“Playing in the Championship is a fantastic level and I loved every season that I played in it, but you always think ‘can I have a chance in the Premier League?” added Derry.

“I knew the only way I was going to get to the Premier League was to be part of a club that went up, either through the play-offs or automatically, and thankfully that happened last year.

“You always live in hope. Starting off a new season you think ‘this is it, this is the season that I’m going to progress, and get the accolades and the promotion that will get you into the Premier League.

“I’m not going to say that I’ve come here through luck or anything like that, there’s been a lot of hard work that has brought me to this club.

“I’m not just going to settle for being here and enjoying the Premier League, I want to be successful in the Premier League. QPR at the moment is a club in massive transition, and to be part of it is a privilege.”

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He has earned his chance the hard way,600 games and still going strong.He has arguably been our most consistant player so far this season,and his attitude epitomises everything that is good in football.As long as he can stay fit he will be one of the first names on the teamsheet.Long may him and Clint remain in the hooped shirt!

 

Not many that can become a QPR legend in a single season but Derry is undoubtedly one of those men.

 

Delighted that he is being given the chance and he has shown that he is capable of doing a job in the Premiership. Great pro and deserves his time in the spotlight.

 

I must admit i thought he had a poor game against blackburn and was a bit worried but on Sunday he totally redeemed himself, back to his best.

Great character and better player than i ever thought he could be for us. Hope his knock was not too bad on sunday and is good for the spurs ame, we will need him in the thick of things again.

 

Agree with everything said you can really picture Clint and Derry smiling after that win, great stuff.

 

I was a bit dubious when we signed Derry but he for me has been one of the best of Colin's signings

 

Yep, the glue.

 

The 2 players a thought would struggle this year in the premiership and I'm very pleased to say how wrong i have been proved.
As said previously, Derry for me has become a legend already in such a short time.

 

I couldn't disagree more. There is nothing arguable about it, he HAS been our most consistant player this season!

 

I just need him to score

 

If Hutton weren't such a ****ing cheat then he would have scored.

 

as far as i can tell via sky he has been easily our best player this season.
when he scores for us as surely he will, the good people of stokes valley will be getting an early wake up call

 

Tell me about it, I can't stand Hutton.