With all the incomings at Loftus Road, what lies ahead for one of the fringe players at QPR?
Hogan Ephraim first joined Queens Park Rangers in 2007 on loan; the following year he made the move permanent.
The season we came up as Champions he was a big part of the team but sadly Neil Warnock didn’t think he was good enough for his Premiership 25.
He was loaned out to a couple of clubs over last season and I was both pleased and surprised that Mark Hughes gave him another year’s contract.
I say surprised as I didn’t think Hogan was a Hughes type of player but the manager has given him a chance to impress and I’m sure he will.
The one thing you get from the North London born player is one hundred per cent commitment. One of his nicknames is ‘the ballerina’ and it isn’t because he plays like a girl.
He’s only five foot nine and not an ounce of fat on him but when he wants to win that ball he will and against bigger and heavier players.
The ball seems to stick to his foot and I think his height actually helps him. Another great thing about him is he can play as a winger or centre forward and looks comfortable in either role.
He is currently away in Asia with the rest of the first team squad and I think he’s enjoying his football again.
With the likes of Cisse and Zamora and Johnson he isn’t going to be a first choice player but he will be a great squad player.
Last season I was rather let down by Shaun Wright Phillips; it was his first season with us so I’ll give him the benefit of doubt. If his game isn’t up to standard I’d have no problem with putting Hogan in his place.
He is still only twenty four and his reading of the game is very good plus he has pace; something most defenders fear.
I really hope Mark Hughes gives him an opportunity in the twenty five, ‘I’m going to try my hardest to force my way in,’ Hogan told QPR’s official website.
You can’t really ask for more than that, and let’s hope this is the season he makes his mark.
Will Hogan Ephraim make it at QPR?
image: © Tom Cuppens
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