Karl Henry reckons crossing the half way line for QPR gives him heady nose bleeds.
In contrast to modern defenders that maraud from the back, the holding midfielder reckons anything in the final third of the pitch for him is the point of no return.
Henry was a happier sub on Saturday after the 2-2 draw with Stoke than he was coming on in the comprehensive defeat to Manchester United the week before, and revealed his limited attacking ambitions are also QPR’s strength.
“I don’t really like to get forward,” he said. “With me, what we lose in offensive play we gain defensively, and I know what my job is when I’m called on to do it.”
The ex-Wolves player remembered his record against Southampton, who Rangers visit on Saturday, is about ’50-50’, but insists Rs are not going to get hammered like the previous two outings.
He said: “I had some great results there with Wolves, but also got a couple of hidings. I don’t think people expect us to go there and get thumped.
“I’ve not doubt we’ll got to Southampton and put in a better performance than we did against Manchester United and Spurs.”
The second Stoke goal on Saturday made defensive purists wince as Mauricio Isla tried to dribble his way out from the corner flag, but only succeeded in setting up Peter Crouch and a second City lead.
Henry reckoned his Chilean team-mate has done well for all that since first donning a hooped shirt against Spurs.
“Mauricio was in a tight spot, and it’s always tough coming from a different country,” Henry added. “It always takes those players time to adjust and he’s acquitted himself well. We all make mistakes and learn from them.”
Keep up to date with all the build-up, matchday and post-game reaction to Southampton v QPR right here on GetWestLondon.
