Richard Dunne insists he is still very much a quiet force in the QPR dressing room.

The defender, 35 on September 21, is more than aware club captain Clint Hill, team captain Joey Barton and new recruit Rio Ferdinand form a massive presence in the Rangers camp. But Dunne believes his experience and know-how can still be a factor this season.

The former Ireland international admits how he does back in the Premier League will depend on whether he stays or goes next June, but insists his softly-softly approach is a welcome counterpoint to more vocal influences.

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He said: “I’m not a screamer and a shouter who drives people all around all the time.

“I speak when I need to, and you need different types of leader, because we have people who get emotional and ‘ranty’.

“Joey likes talking and that’s what inspires him, but some of us need to take a back seat.”

Dunne was the surprise package of the Championship promotion campaign by simple virtue of 48 appearances. In fact, once he hit 30 outings he triggered a new one-year deal, far more than anyone at the club expected after practically a season out before that with injury.

Dunne admitted: “Last year I got one (new contract) because of the injury.

“If I do get another it’s up to me to perform, but there’s a defensive line-up with probably nine of us fighting for the positions.”