Derry hoping for Rs turnaround

Shaun Derry hopes Mark Hughes' arrival at QPR can have as big an impact as Sunderland's decision to bring in Martin O'Neill.

Midfielder hopes Hughes appointment can kickstart season

Shaun Derry hopes Mark Hughes' arrival in place of Neil Warnock at QPR can have as big an impact as Sunderland's decision to bring in Martin O'Neill for Steve Bruce. O'Neill has transformed the fortunes of the Wearsiders since becoming their manager last month, dragging them away from the relegation zone and into the top half of the Premier League. Rangers midfielder Derry believes Hughes can do the same at Loftus Road, admitting he has already been wowed by the "aura" surrounding his new boss.

Pedigree

"It's vital that when you make a change, you make it for someone who's going to come in with that type of pedigree," Derry told his club's official website. "He's got an aura about him - and so have his staff. "It's very important that we now get a few days of training in under him, so that he can stamp his mark on us short term, and show what he wants us to do on Sunday. It's a huge game for us." That game is at Newcastle, before which Rangers could find themselves in the bottom three. Derry, 34, added: "It's going to be a difficult game for us, but we're hoping that our new manager can have the same impact that Martin O'Neill has had on Newcastle's near neighbours, Sunderland. "It sometimes goes to show that a change is good and hopefully that will apply to QPR." Hughes will be without suspended captain Joey Barton, who he was planning to hold a meeting with on Wednesday, while Adel Taarabt and Armand Traore are both on African Nations Cup duty. Alejandro Faurlin has also been ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's FA Cup tie against MK Dons.

Challenge

"I accept the challenge I face," the Argentinian said. "As a professional and as a person, I am ready for this. "I have the support of my family and friends both here and in Argentina. "Everyone around the club, my team-mates and the fans have given me great support and make me feel good. I look forward to starting my rehab as soon as possible."