QPR midfielder Karl Henry insists he does not deserve to be labelled a dirty player.
The 30-year-old earned a reputation for persistent fouling during his time with Wolves in the Premier League, which he believes was unfair.
Henry, who joined Harry Redknapp’s side on a two-year-deal this summer following Wolves’ relegation to League One, says he would rather consider himself an “enforcer”.
“A few years ago in the Premier League I had a stint where I feel I got unfairly tagged as a dirty player and that certainly is not me or my character,” he said.
“We had a run of four or five games where we accumulated a lot of yellow cards and the team was labelled dirty. I was certainly labelled a dirty player and unfairly I think.
“If there is a ball there to be won I will go and try to win it. I’m a ball-winning midfielder and I like the defensive part of the game.
“I like the chasing back and tackling people and defending, which maybe lots of other midfielders are not so keen on.
“It’s the part of game I’ve always enjoyed and I relish. If that makes me an enforcer then that’s what I am.”
Henry is one of a number of signings manager Redknapp made this summer in a significant overhaul of the squad.
Last season Rangers were relegated from the Premier League and beset by dressing-room divisions.
But former Stoke man Henry said: “My impression has been good. When I came in I was half expecting to see some players not quite at it or at a low tempo in training but that’s not the case.
“There’s very much a feeling here that people want to get straight back up at the first attempt.
“There is no messing around, training is hard and tough and the players demand a lot out of each other.
He added: “I know Clint Hill from my time at Stoke and he’s a real good pro, a good captain and a good leader.
“They’re a good bunch of players that work hard and there’s no divisions or anything. It’s an enjoyable place to be.”
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