Place in QPR’s 25 not enough for Ephraim

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QPR’s Hogan Ephraim says he would not be content with being in manager Mark Hughes’ 25-man squad unless he is at least getting a place on the bench.

Ephraim signed a contract extension this week and Hughes intends to include him among the 25 names submitted to the Premier League at the start of next month.

Hughes plans to include Ephraim.

That would be a sign of progress for the former West Ham trainee, who twice missed out on Rangers’ squad last season.

But he told West London Sport: “It would obviously be a step in the right direction but unless I’m on the bench, minimum, and pushing on for the team, then I won’t be too happy with myself.

“It’s all well and good being in the 25 but I don’t really want to be in the stands watching games. I want to be out there helping the team.

“I’m hopeful of getting in or around the team. I was obviously disappointed not to make the bench at the weekend but you look at the names on that bench and it was very strong.

“There is tough competition here but if I get in the 25 my aim has to be to be involved rather than sitting around watching matches.”

Ephraim, 24, will not be taking his squad place for granted given that he was omitted by former manager Neil Warnock a year ago after being led to believe he had made the cut.

“I didn’t expect to be in it in January but I was very disappointed before that, “ he said.

“I was told two days before the window closed that I was going to be in the 25-man squad and couldn’t go anywhere.”

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