Ephraim targeting return to QPR

Hogan Ephraim hopes his performances for Charlton can convince Neil Warnock to give him another chance at QPR.

The 23-year-old – an important player in Rangers’ promotion campaign – says he was initially led to believe he would be in R’s boss Warnock’s 25-man Premier League squad and was “shocked” after being told he hadn’t made the cut.

He joined Charlton on loan last week and will stay at The Valley until at least January – when Warnock will re-submit his squad for the second half of the season.

“I need to be playing regular football now, scoring and setting up goals.”

Ephraim said: “I’d love to get back in the squad. I have been there for four years and QPR is the club that changed me from a boy to a man.

“I loved last season – it was the highlight of my career. The fans were magnificent and unbelievable to play in front of, and the squad are the best set of lads you could ask for.

“I think I should have been in the 25-man squad. I trained with the boys day in and day out, and I couldn’t accept anyone telling me I wasn’t good enought to be in that 25.

“It was very tough, especially since it was only a couple of days before the transfer window shut that I was told I was in it. So to be told that, then two or three days later to be told you’re not it, was a massive shock.”

The former West Ham trainee added: “I have great respect for Neil Warnock and I’m sure he has great respect for me.

“He had a decision to make and he made it. We have different opinions on it but it was up to him. If I play well maybe he will change his mind.”

Ephraim made his Charlton debut as a second-half substitute during their 1-0 win at Brentford on Saturday.

It was a welcome return to first-team action after almost three months in QPR’s reserves, and Addicks boss Chris Powell has hinted that he would be interested in keeping him if given the chance.

“It was good to get some minutes under my belt,” Ephraim said.

“You just want to be in front of fans playing football instead of reserve-team football on the Harlington training ground in front of two or three people.

“I need to be playing regular football now, scoring and setting up goals and that’s what I aim to do at Charlton, and after that we will see what happens.

“I need a manager to have faith in me and let me play my game and hopefully Chris Powell will do that.”

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