JAY Bothroyd reckons a face-to-face with Neil Warnock paved the way for his rebirth at QPR.
The striker returned to score a second in consecutive games against high-fliers Manchester City on Saturday – and was even considering a claim on a third after his diving header got deflected in via the back of Heidar Helguson.
But three weeks ago, the manager told the England capped player his attitude was lacking, and dropped him for Helguson.
Since when Bothroyd (pic) knuckled down to force his way back into the team with devastating effects.
“It had been a bit difficult,” said Bothroyd. “For the last three years I was in a 4-4-2 at Cardiff. But coming here I was asked to play a different system – and it took a while to gel.
“But Neil is a great man manager, and he pulled me to say he was leaving me out.
“But I got on with it, did extra sessions with coaches; was the last man to leave and the first man in – and it’s paid off.”
With Helguson alongside, Bothroyd reckons Rangers can chase the crock of gold that is 40 points and Premiership saftey when they face Stoke away on Saturday week.
“Heidar being up there has complimented my style,” he said. “And we gave Manchester City their hardest game all season, according to their coaches.
“Maybe we could have got more, especially at Spurs when we should have tightened up. But we said if we can get three points out these three games that would be great. Now the main thing is to get to 40 points as soon as possible.”
