Neil Warnock hailed the performance of Anton Ferdinand after QPR slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
QPR boss delighted with performance of defender at Tottenham
Neil Warnock hailed the performance of Anton Ferdinand after Queens Park Rangers slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
Last week Ferdinand was the subject of an alleged racial slur by John Terry in QPR's 1-0 win over their west London rivals at Loftus Road.
It was announced on Tuesday that Terry, who denies the allegations, will be the subject of a Football Association investigation into the claims, and Ferdinand has been the focus of intense media scrutiny this week as a result.
Warnock deemed the 26-year-old to be psychologically ready to play at White Hart Lane, which Rangers lost thanks to a Rafael van der Vaart strike and a brace from Gareth Bale.
Despite seeing his team lose in what was largely a one-sided affair, Warnock heaped praise on Ferdinand and insisted the FA investigation has had no impact on his team's preparation or performance.
"I thought he (Ferdinand) was head and shoulders above everyone else - the man of the match," Warnock said.
"I don't think he made a mistake. He hasn't put a foot wrong since he came here. He definitely has the potential to play at the top level and England.
"It was a great performance from him today.
"Did I think that (the race row) affected Ferdinand today? Not at all. He was absolutely magnificent. It doesn't affect us at all.
"It speaks volumes about his character, absolutely."
The FA will continue their investigation into the race row this week, but Warnock does not envisage the saga affecting his team's efforts on the pitch.
"We have moved on already," the Rangers boss said
"It's not our problem. I don't see the time frame of it all really.
"I have a day off tomorrow. I am going to go in the park and have a ride on my bike, I won't be thinking of anything but the deer tomorrow."
Too much respect
Warnock was pleased with his side's second-half response against Tottenham after falling 2-0 down before the break.
Jay Bothroyd pulled a goal back for QPR before Gareth Bale secured victory for Spurs with a goal so good that it prompted an unexpected reaction from Warnock
"We gave them a game in the second half," he told
Sky Sports.
"We probably respected them a little bit too much in the first half, but they've got such quality that I found myself clapping when the third goal went in from Bale.
"It was such a fantastic goal by Bale. It's a pity he's not English."
QPR's next challenge is to face league leaders Manchester City, but Warnock insists it is an occasion his players will relish.
"It's what we strive for. That is why we try and get out of the Championship, to play against Manchester City," he said.
"I know what a good side they are but it's great to be pitting your wits against these teams and my players are enjoying it."
