• QPR v Aston Villa

Ferdinand: Keep me on the bench

Rio Ferdinand has come under fire for his performances in the blue and white of QPR © Getty Images

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Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand says he would stick with the same team that lost to Liverpool when they face Aston Villa on Monday - even though that would mean he started on the bench.

Ferdinand, whose performances for the Loftus Road club have been criticised in a season that has seen them win only once to slump to the foot of the Premier League table, was left out of the line-up beaten 3-2 at home by the Reds last week.

Despite the defeat it was a much-improved performance by Harry Redknapp's side, and Ferdinand wrote in The Sun: "I was left out of the team, but I was not going to kick off to the manager about it.

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"The manager made his decision to leave me on the bench and I respect that. Richard Dunne came in and did well. We were unlucky to lose.

"If I was in charge, I would keep the same team for our game against Aston Villa - but, at the same time, I will be delighted if I am picked."

Ferdinand said it was crucial that QPR "stick together" as they look to get away from the relegation zone.

A point against Villa would be enough to lift them off the foot of the table at Burnley's expense, and the former Manchester United defender added: "There's no getting away from the fact we have struggled this season - but I knew when I signed that it was all about trying to stay in the Premier League.

"Of course we didn't expect to be bottom, but it's nothing that a few wins will not put right. We need a little break, a bit of luck."

Meanwhile Ferdinand, who will celebrate his 36th birthday next month, played down reports that he could soon retire from playing. He had told the BBC he would "probably" quit next May, and some reports suggested he had indicated that he could decide to retire in January.

"You get to a point where you think it could be your last season - but it doesn't mean it definitely is," he added.

"People have put two and two together and made six. I certainly never said I might finish in January.

"My comment about probably ending at the end of the season was a bit of an off-the-cuff remark which got taken as fact. The truth is that I haven't decided yet."

Redknapp defended Ferdinand's performances for the west London side, saying the criticism he had received was over the top. He said he felt the former England international had been made "a scapegoat" for QPR's struggles and added: "He's a great lad, and I have got so much time for him as a person and as a professional.

"He is out there at the front in everything he does, he works hard and has a great attitude."

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