Anton Ferdinand welcomes competition for places

Anton Ferdinand has revealed that he would be happy to compete with new arrival for place in the Queens Park Rangers defence.

Mark Hughes's side have been linked with moves for a number of defenders before the end of the transfer window, but Ferdinand believes that he has the quality to retain his spot in the West London club's team.

The 27-year-old told the Evening Standard: "New signings have ­threatened to keep me out of the team before in my career but I've always risen to the challenge, so if Queens Park Rangers bring in new defenders it will only improve us as a team and me as a player.

"Michael Dawson and Ricardo ­Carvalho have been linked with a move and they are top defenders. If they sign, it will be a boost for everyone and I would welcome it.

"I wouldn't be looking over my shoulder. I have always backed my ability and I know what I can do. I'll train as hard as I can to be the best I can be and keep the shirt."

QPR are believed to have renewed their interest in Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Dawson.