Don’t write off Derry, says Warnock

Neil Warnock insists Joey Barton’s recent arrival at QPR does not necessarily mean the writing is on the wall for Shaun Derry.

Veteran midfielder Derry has made an impressive start to the season and recently signed a new deal at Loftus Road, but is the first to admit many do not believe he is good enough for the Premier League.

And Rangers’ capture of Barton, who is set to make his R’s debut against his former club Newcastle on Monday, means Derry faces an even tougher battle to hold down a first-team place.

But, responding to the suggestion that Derry will inevitably be replaced, Warnock joked: “I’ve been replacing Shaun Derry now for the best part of five years.”

The Rangers boss added:  “If you look at him in training and the difference in his game since we signed Joey Barton, he’s been a revelation.

“He [Derry] won’t play every game, but you don’t in the Premier League. I honestly wouldn’t write him off.”

Rangers’ glut of pre-deadline signings means the bulk of last season’s promotion-winning side now face the prospect of being frozen out.

But Warnock said: “I think the whole squad are relieved we’ve got these new players. They understand the experience they bring.

“They know we needed help, and now we’ve got that help it doesn’t mean we’re going to be safe from relegation or from losing games, but it gives us a chance to compete at what is the highest level in world football.”