Derry tips Taarabt to shine for QPR

Shaun Derry insists it is only a matter of time before Adel Taarabt takes the Premier League by storm.

Taarabt has shown glimpses of his best form already this season and only the woodwork denied him a superb goal in last weekend’s draw against Aston Villa.

And speaking ahead of Sunday’s west London derby against Fulham, QPR midfielder Derry declared that his team-mate is on the verge of making a name for himself at the top level.

Derry said: “I think he can make a real impact. He’s been inches away from scoring outrageous goals this season – like the shot he had against Villa that clipped the post.

“He created that chance by doing something not many people could have done, and he did something similar at Wigan too.

“If them goals go in you say ‘hang on, this guy’s truly arrived’. I just feel it’s going to happen for him sooner rather than later.”

The R’s will want a big performance from Taarabt at Craven Cottage, where Fulham will be looking for their first league win under manager Martin Jol.

Derry is expecting a tough battle but believes Taarabt is capable of stealing the show.

He said: “Last season we won the league, sometimes with 10 players when Adel didn’t turn up and sometimes with 12 when he did. More often than not it was with 12 players because he was so good.

“He single-handedly won us games and there were other times when we had to battle when things weren’t going his way, but that’s part of being a team. Adel can make the difference in tight games.

“In my opinion there aren’t many players like him when he decides to really turn it on and put on a show.”