Rob Green keen on new QPR deal and targets emulating forty-something keepers

 
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Simon Johnson24 October 2013

Rob Green has revealed he wants to commit his long-term future to Queens Park Rangers.

Green signed a two-year contract when he joined from West Ham in 2012, meaning he could leave as a free agent next summer.

But the 33-year-old is happy at Loftus Road, especially now that he is first-choice again under manager Harry Redknapp having lost his place last season when Julio Cesar joined from Inter Milan.

Green told Standard Sport: “I am out of contract at the end of the season and I obviously can’t offer myself a new one.

“There are a number of us who will be in that position but I’ve really enjoyed my time here.

“Earning a new deal would be great but all I can control is how I play in the games. The club will have their policy, there are a lot of players in the same position. While the manager has sorted things on the pitch, there are still lots of things to sort out off it.

“We have players out on loan and things like that but I would like to stay at QPR beyond next summer.”

Green has been in impressive form to help QPR climb to second in the Championship. He has just set a club record of eight successive clean sheets and feels his best form is to come.

The England international believes he can emulate Mark Schwarzer and Brad Friedel and keep playing at the highest level beyond his thirties.

He said: “I look at goalkeepers like Brad and Mark still performing and it made me realise that as long as I stay sharp and fit, I can stay in the game.

“I am looking to play on until my forties like them. It’s a wonderful position to be in as a goalkeeper to be able to play longer than most. People always look at keepers reaching their peak in their early 30s but you look at Edwin van der Sar who was still playing at Manchester United until he was 40.

“It’s not just about keeping fit, it’s the mental side as well. You mature, have a lot more experience and know so much about the game.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Johnson was pleased with his return to action after a hamstring injury.

The striker, who played for the Elite Development Squad in their 4-0 win over Brentford on Tuesday, said: “I felt sharp. It was important for me to get some minutes under my belt.”

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