QPR’s Petrasso happy to link up with Derry

Michael Petrasso says the chance to work with former QPR man Shaun Derry was a key factor in his latest loan move.

The 19-year-old Canadian winger, who signed a three-year contract with the R’s in April, has joined Derry’s Notts County side on a three-month loan deal.

Petrasso said: “When I first came to QPR at 16 and I was with the youth team, Shaun was a player with the first team and he used to talk to the kids and was a big part of the youth programme.

“He has had a great involvement at QPR and knows a lot of the players. I know him quite well and have been talking quite a while about coming here. He’s a nice guy and am really happy to play under him.

“I know Shaun from watching him play too. He knows the game and how players react and their attitudes.

“He knows what they need to bring to the game and how to prepare. He has recently been a player so he will have a greater understanding of players – and he is doing well in the league at the moment.”

Petrasso nearly signed for Notts on loan last season but joined Oldham Athletic for a second temporary move.

That was followed by a stint with Coventry City – his fourth loan spell since joining QPR.

The Magpies are ninth in League One, one point outside the play-off places.

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Petrasso added. “It’s been in the melting pot and I am glad to finally get the chance. I am excited to get here.

“I have played quite a bit and scored a couple of goals on my loans. I think I have helped teams so I hope I can do that here as well.”