QPR boss Julien Stephan hopes Rayan Kolli takes his chance to establish himself as a first-team player after the young forward scored twice in a 3-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
Top scorer Rumarn Burrell put Rangers ahead with his 10th Championship goal of the season, but limped off with a hamstring injury 10 minutes later.
That could hand Kolli a run in the side – and he staked his claim by coming on in Burrell’s place and netting a couple of late goals.
Stephan said: “He did well. I hope Rayan will be able to repeat this, because we know his qualities. We need to keep him on the pitch and healthy.”
Kolli has been hampered by injuries and recently returned to training after another lay-off.
And Stephan revealed he considered taking the 20-year-old off when he appeared to be running out of steam in the closing stages.
Stephan explained: “Rayan only restarted (training) 10 days ago after a month out.
“To be honest, before the game and yesterday it was my reflection ‘start or not start’ because I felt that it was probably a good moment.
“My concern was that he was only back in training sessions 10 days. We didn’t train a lot because of all the games and for me he didn’t have enough sessions. But in fact he came on after 20 minutes and did well.
“Ten minutes before the end of the game I asked him if he was OK and able to continue and finish, because I was not sure. He told me ‘I am tired but it will be OK’. And he scored two good goals.”
Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen felt his players deserved credit for their efforts.
The Owls are well adrift at the bottom of the Championship but had a decent second-half spell before Kolli’s double.
“At 1-0 we could have scored for 1-1 and I think we were on top in the game when they scored for 2-0. After 2-0 of course we know it’s difficult,” said Pedersen.
“We competed for 80 minutes on a very equal level. Today we showed that we can compete. The culture is great.
“Of course we are not happy we are losing, but we also have to look at where we are, where we’re coming from and how we’re competing.
“I have the biggest respect for how we have three senior players in the starting XI, how they are leaders for the younger guys, and how those young guys just keep on going, keep the faith and keep their chests high.
“Our players played with a big blue heart and tried to do everything we could for our club.
“We have a group of players who love this club and who will do everything for this club.”
