Wednesday, 1 August 2007

Danny's ready for battle

From: Kilburn Times

01 August 2007
Danny Nardiello in action against Celtic
Danny Nardiello in action against Celtic
DANNY Nardiello has settled in quickly - but don't be surprised to see him involved in a heated clash with new team-mate Martin Rowlands before long.

The summer signing from Barnsley is an affable, easy-going character, whose eyes have a tendency to light up when a shooting opportunity from a free-kick presents itself.

Rowlands is QPR's dead-ball maestro, though - having smashed in a few lethal free-kicks from distance last season, to say nothing of four crucial penalties.

So there could be some keen competition between the two this season for shooting rights and Nardiello grinned: "I'm sure we'll have an argument every now and then.

"I've scored a few free-kicks in the past, so I do like to take them. I don't know whether the other lads will let me but, if I do, I'll be looking for a few goals.

"The more goals I get the better. You do set yourself targets and my main objectives are to stay fit, make a name for myself here and help QPR to success this season."

Nardiello's name is already well known in the Championship after an impressive two seasons at Barnsley, hitting 14 goals to help them survive last year.

Dexter Blackstock, of course, scored an identical total for a struggling team last season - and the early indications are that the pair can form a profitable partnership for Rangers.

Not that their selection is by any means guaranteed, of course - and, as Rs boss John Gregory pointed out recently, the number 10 shirt is yet to be filled.

"Dexter's a great player - I've played against him a few times before and obviously now seen him in training and he's a good finisher," observed Nardiello.

"I like to come off him a bit and he can stay further upfield, so hopefully we can get plenty of goals this season. With that said, you don't want to get complacent.

"There's a strong squad here already and competition for places is always good. I want to play every week, so I've got to work hard and score goals to make sure I get a place in the team and keep it."

And the 24-year-old Wales international is clearly confident of enjoying a successful career with QPR - he not only turned down the offer of a new contract at Oakwell, but also the chance to play for Coventry, the club he supported as a youngster.

Norwich were also keen to secure Nardiello's signature, but the striker admitted: "After speaking to the gaffer, hearing what he had to say and seeing the set-up here, my mind was made up.

"It was a big decision for me to make - Coventry's the team I supported as a kid and my dad [Donato] also played for them - but I felt QPR was the right move for me and hopefully that'll prove to be the right decision.

"I had a nightmare start last season at Barnsley - I broke my collarbone and was out for the first third of the season and came back into the thick of a relegation battle.

"Hopefully this time I can get a full pre-season under my belt and be pushing for promotion rather than having a struggle at the bottom of the table."

There won't be any arguments from anyone at QPR if that particular wish of Nardiello's comes true.
Source: Kilburn Times

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