Harry Redknapp insists there is no prospect of QPR selling Charlie Austin.
The striker’s hat-trick in Saturday’s 3-2 win against West Brom took his goal tally for the season to 11 and there has been speculation that he could attract interest from other clubs during next month’s transfer window.
But Rangers plan to offer Austin an improved contract early in the new year and manager Redknapp believes he will remain at Loftus Road.
“If we sell Charlie Austin we may as well go home,” said Redknapp.
“He’s here and it’s up to him to carry on doing what he’s doing. He can’t afford to take his foot of the gas.
“There’s nothing to stop him going on and having a fantastic season. I think his target would probably be around 20 goals, the way he’s playing at the moment.”
Former bricklayer Austin was playing for non-League Poole Town five-and-a-half-years ago and has emphatically answered those who questioned whether he would score goals in the top flight.
And Redknapp believes the 25-year-old deserves the success he is enjoying.
He said: “Charlie works hard, has a good attitude and is not a minute’s problem. He just gets on with it.
“He’s just a lovely boy who worked for a living and is now playing Premier League football. I couldn’t be more pleased for him and his family.”
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This post was last modified on 22/12/2014