He may be in for more duty as a glorified mannequin according to his QPR boss - but Leroy Fer insists he is happy playing a bit part for the Netherlands.
The striker will rejoin his country next week for a friendly against Mexico followed by Latvia in a Euro qualifier. But if things under manager Guus Hiddink go the way of the last nine games, Fer might get a few minutes off the bench in the second half.
It’s one of the reasons a frustrated Redknapp believes he has yet to see the best out of the player he paid Norwich £8m for in August.
The manager reckoned hanging around the Dutch camp where Fer was ‘probably used in the wall at free-kick’ practice had done the forward or QPR no good in bringing him fully up to speed.
The player once agonised over whether he should represent Netherlands Antilles, but insists he wants to be a part of the Oranje squad, no matter how small.
“I’m very proud to play for my country and I’m part of the group, even if I’m not starting in the Dutch team,” Fer added. "It's a bit confusing for the gaffer to say that because I did go to the World Cup.
“It’s true I was behind the (QPR) group in terms of fitness, and I also got injured as well in the World Cup, and that made it a bit harder to come back, but I’m delighted to be a part of the Dutch squad.”
Fer reckons his immediate aim is a result against Manchester City on Saturday night, and believes a shock win over the Premier League champions is closer still after a heartening last three games culminating in a close battle at Chelsea on Saturday.
It was Fer’s mishit shot that allowed Charlie Austin to cleverly back heel an equaliser, and he paid tribute to a hit man in form.
“Charlie’s a sharp striker and my shot wasn’t that good, but his finishing was excellent,” Fer added.
“We played really well in the last three games, and we have to take this confidence into the next game against Man City at home. "We are building a good team together, and although I hope I get to start in international matches, it’s QPR I’m focusing on right now.”
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