Neil Warnock has paid tribute to Radek Cerny, QPR's third choice goalkeeper who is enjoying his moment in the spotlight.
QPR boss piles praise on veteran Czech goalkeeper
Neil Warnock has paid tribute to Radek Cerny, Queens Park Rangers' third choice goalkeeper who is enjoying his moment in the spotlight.
With Paddy Kenny and Brian Murphy picking up unfortunate knocks, Cerny has shot to the front of the keeping queue at Loftus Road.
The 37-year-old has made the most of his opportunity, turning in a string of fine performances.
He has played in QPR's last three Premier League fixtures and Warnock is delighted with how the veteran Czech has slipped seamlessly back into the first team fold.
"I'm really pleased for Radek," he said.
"He is a bit like Heidar [Helguson].
Expectations
"I fought very hard last year to get both of them another contract with the previous owners, and Radek has definitely surpassed my expectations since he came into the team.
"It is difficult when you are third choice and you're not even playing in the reserves.
"He has had a long-standing problem with his hip, but he has always trained and I never see him without a smile on his face.
"He is one of those people that, when you are struggling a bit, he cheers you up.
"There has been one or two like that at each club I have been at and Radek is infectious.
"To come in like he has, I think has gained him the respect of all the new lads that don't know him."
Sore
Cerny is set to line-up against Manchester United on Sunday, and Warnock has revealed that he could also have DJ Campbell, Fitz Hall and Matthew Connolly back in contention for a home date with the Red Devils.
"I think most of them are okay aside from the long-term ones and Anton (Ferdinand)," Warnock added of his squad.
"DJ is training again today. We thought he had a little relapse the other day in the reserve game, but he has had another scan and he is happy again.
"He is just a bit sore, although I think he is planning to join in today.
"Connolly joined in for most of the game against Spurs and Fitz Hall played the first half, so they both come into the reckoning."
