BALL IS HUNGRY TO KEEP ROLLING AT HOOPS
DOM Ball still considers himself an underdog and is desperate to prove he can cut it at Championship level after signing a new two-year contract with QPR.
The 25-year-old combative midfielder moved to west London from Rotherham last summer and largely impressed – making 35 appearances for the R’s in all competitions.
Despite proving himself as a Championship player after spending the previous two years on loan in Scotland with Aberdeen, Ball is still approaching this year with the mentality that he needs to establish himself at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
“I had to prove a point last season and that’s exactly what I need to do again this year,” he told the club’s website.
“I have always liked being the underdog. That is what I’ve been throughout my career and it motivates me.
“Even now, it’s about proving a point to myself as much as anybody – showing that I can play at this level. I felt I did that last year and I want to build on that this season.”
Ball wasn’t the only R’s star to sign a new contract this week as defender Osman Kakay inked a deal until 2024.
The 23-year-old Sierra Leone international has been with the club since he was seven years old and established himself in Mark Warburton’s team after lockdown – starting their final seven league games of last season.
“I’m so happy the gaffer has given me the opportunity to be part of the team and hopefully I can repay him with my performances,” said Kakay. “My aim has always been to become a first-team player.
“I’m delighted to sign a new deal. I’ve basically turned from a boy to a man here. I love playing for this club and whenever I pull on the QPR shirt I always want to give 100 per cent.”