November 20 2007

Shaun Derry

Shaun Derry has vowed to make an impact on his return to Crystal Palace.

The Leeds midfielder has joined Palace on a two-month loan as Eagles boss Neil Warnock shakes up his struggling side.

Derry has just come back from 10 months out with a heel injury, but his future under United manager Dennis Wise remains uncertain.

But for now, Derry who played 99 times for the Eagles between 2002-05, insists he will be striving to get Palace out of the drop zone.

"It's a short-term move for me but an exciting one," said Derry. "I wanted to come to a club where I could make an impact, and where my contribution would mean something.

"Palace aren't in the best of positions and the Christmas period will be a crucial one. Every game is going to matter. I'm delighted to be back in the Championship because this is the level I think I should be playing at.

"Leeds are flying and no manager is going to tinker with a team that's sitting as high in the league as they are. It's unfortunate, but the move to Palace is something to be very positive about."

Derry is excited about being reunited with Warnock again after the pair spent time together at Sheffield United in the late 1990s.

"At the moment, Palace is the perfect move at the right time," he said. "I know the club well and I know Neil Warnock - I've got to thank him for putting his faith in me because I've had a horrible year with my injury. Playing first-team football is so vital for me now.

"I'm not going to get a look-in at Leeds at the moment. I've said before that this is a massive season for Leeds, and it's more about the club than individuals. But I don't know what the future holds for me there."