Clint Hill is ready to seize his QPR chance after kicking his heels most of the season.
Kept out of the team by Grant Hall, injury to the ex-Spurs player means the 37-year-old is ready to step into the breach just as he did in the 2-0 win over Derby last night.
The veteran defender, hailed ‘Mr QPR’ by manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the wake of a flawless performance at the heart of the rear-guard, admits it has been a frustrating wait.
“Young Grant Hall has been fantastic, the standout performer of the season and composed beyond his years,” Hill said.
“God knows, that doesn’t make my job getting a game any easier, but if somebody of that calibre can come in and perform to that level then you’ve just got to accept it.
“It has been a frustrating season for me, but sometimes I have got to sit back and think to myself I’m 37 and still involved in football which is magnificent,” he continued.
“At the same time, I’ve still got that stubbornness, that drive and determination to play, particularly at home in front of these fans who I love, so I’ve had to be very patient and bite my tongue a few times.”
Hasselbaink’s confirmation Hall may be sidelined for 'a few weeks' offers Hill the rare chance of back-to-back games in Saturday’s west London derby against Brentford at Loftus Road.
However, he may have to overcome a tweak of his own having battled through an early niggle against the Rams.
“I don’t know if it is a nerve in my hamstring or whatever,” he added.
“It just kind of pinged on me you know and I thought ‘God what is going to happen here,’ but it did not get any worse so I managed to grind through it.
“It is a bit of a worry, but hopefully it will be okay.”
Missed the glorious pic gallery from last night's win over Derby? Fret not...
