QPR boss not surprised by Field's fine form

By Ian McCullough

Mark Warburton believes QPR midfielder Sam Field has all the traits to play at the highest level and believes his best is yet to come.

Field, who joined from West Brom on a permanent deal in June following a successful loan spell, has been outstanding in the defensive midfield role for Rangers since his return to the side following the knee surgery that kept him out until December - but Warburton said his development has not been a surprise to him.

"He was playing in the Premier League at 18-19 and scoring goals, so he has a good pedigree," Rangers boss Warburton said.

"He has good size, good physicality and is an outstanding character; very calm, very level-headed.

"He had a frustrating knee issue, which sort of carried on a little bit. We tried to treat it but he went into tackle with Dom Ball on the Thursday before the season started and hurt it and the decision was made by the medical team to get the work done.

"But he has come back with that peace of mind that the problem has been resolved and the problem before was that he was waiting to break down again. He is showing what a good player he is.

"His work ethic, application - everyone talks about our attacking players, but I have no doubt Sam could go up and play in the Premier League.

"He reminds me of a young (Nemanja) Matic-type of player. That is not me saying I am comparing him to Matic, but the way he reads the game, he has a great understanding of the pitch for a young player.

"He has a great energy and is enjoying his football right now."