QPR boss backs Hugill to prove critics wrong

Mark Warburton has backed Jordan Hugill to prove his doubters wrong following his loan move from West Ham to QPR.

Striker Hugill, 27, has not started a game for the east London club since a surprise big-money move from Preston in January last year.

The then Hammers manager David Moyes has been criticised for the deal.

But R’s boss Warburton has insisted he understands why Moyes believed Hugill could step up to the Premier League – and says the player, who spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough, is determined to prove himself.

“He brings physicality and a hunger to prove people wrong,” Warburton said.

“I’ve read some of the comments about Jordan – about him being a waste of money at West Ham.

“He’s a very talented guy. I fully understood why David Moyes bought him.

“There’s a very talented footballer with a real hunger to prove many people wrong and I’ve no doubt he will do.

“I’ve watched him in the first couple of days of training and he’s been outstanding.

“He has a presence and a real desire to score goals. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact he has for QPR this season.”

Hugill is set to make his Rangers debut in Saturday’s opening-day match at Stoke.

Fellow summer signing Lee Wallace is unavailable because of a hip problem.