Derry: I’ll prove doubters wrong again

Shaun Derry insists he can prove himself in the Premier League – and prove his doubters wrong once again.

Those doubters have included boss Neil Warnock, who believed the 33-year-old midfielder was past his best and would be a squad player when he was signed a year ago.

Derry turned out to be a key man in Rangers’ promotion campaign, and now wants to go one better and be a regular starter in the top flight.

“I always like proving people wrong and I take encouragement from the manager’s words,” Derry told West London Sport.

“When he said last year that I was going to be a squad player, I wanted to prove him wrong and this year I don’t want to be a squad player in the Premier League – I want one of those starting places and I want to keep it.

“I’m hoping the midfield role I play in will be even more relevant this season. Last season it enabled the more attacking and creative players to shine, and I’m hoping to do a similar job this year.

“Time will tell. Obviously the class of opposition is going to be better, but we’ve all got something to prove and I certainly feel like I have. I want to prove people wrong again and show that I can play at that level.”

Derry has been linked with Millwall and a return to his former club Crystal Palace, but says he has no intention of passing up the chance to play in the top division.

“It’s a stage that every player wants to play on and I’m no different,” he declared.

“I can’t wait for the season. I’ve been excited since we lifted that trophy in May.”