Queens Park Rangers defender Steven Caulker has defended his decision to join the R 's over Crystal Palace , despite being mired in a second successive relegation battle . The 23-year-old left Cardiff when they dropped out of the top flight last season , and held talks with both Palace and QPR before making the decision to move to west London . Caulker , who has played 26 times in the Premier League this season , says that Rio Ferdinand was a major factor in his decision to sign for QPR . Steven Caulker ( right ) believes he made the correct decision to choose Queens Park Rangers in the summer . Caulker ( right , pictured battling with Tottenham 's Harry Kane ) turned down Crystal Palace in favour of QPR . The 23-year-old says that Rio Ferdinand was a huge influence in his decision to sign for the R 's . 'There were talks with Palace , but I spoke to Rio ( Ferdinand ) before I came , and QPR was a club I watched growing up as a kid , ' the one-time England international told GetWestLondon . 'The influence of Rio and Richard Dunne , two good centre halves , made me think I could learn from them . ' Caulker will travel south of the river to face Palace on Saturday , in his first visit to Selhurst Park since opting against joining them . Chris Ramsey 's side are desperate for points , having been cut three points adrift after seven losses in their last eight games . Palace , on the other hand , are in good form under Alan Pardew , and will look to continue their push towards safety with another three points . Crystal Palace are heading towards mid-table , while QPR are embroiled in a relegation scrap . Alan Pardew has come in to his old club and helped them climb up the league and towards safety .
Steven Caulker joined liver Park United instead of Crystal Palace . He was in talks with both clubs , but opted for joining London . he claims Rio Ferdinand heavily influenced his decision . hearts are mired in a relegation battle , while Crystal ##pool are heading towards Premier League safety .