Irish striking sensation Sinclair Armstrong says working on the training pitch with QPR legend Les Ferdinand is making him a better footballer.
Armstrong (19) joined the Loftus Road side from Shamrock Rovers in 2020 and had experienced first-team football across the water while on loan at Torquay United and Aldershot.
He made his first Championship start for Rangers during Tuesday night’s 3-0 win over Cardiff - a result that sent them to the top of the table.
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And the Dubliner won the first-half penalty that led to the first goal, one of two scored by Lyndon Dykes on the night.
Rangers fans inside the ground sang his praises after the final whistle - and on social media too.
Afterwards Armstrong, an Ireland Under-19 international, paid tribute to QPR great Ferdinand.
“Everyday in training I am trying to work on these things with the gaffer, Chris Ramsey who is trying to help me, and Les Ferdinand. I am just trying to improve myself everyday,” he said.
Pressed on Ferdinand’s influence, he added: “I actually get told that I play like him.
“Sometimes when we are doing striker training, he is always there. He is always telling me to time my runs into the box, front post; he’s been a real big help for me.”
Armstrong revealed that his inclusion in the starting-11 came as a surprise.
“I didn’t even know I was starting. We were going through the team and I saw my face, and my heart just sunk. I couldn’t even believe it,” he said.
“But this is a moment I’ve obviously been waiting for. I’ve worked hard for this, there have been a lot of ups and downs, going through injury.
“But I’ve prayed for this moment, it’s a very good win for us and it’s three points, top of the table.”
As for his brilliant run into the box, which was ended by a Jack Simpson foul, he said: “Honestly, I actually couldn’t believe it.
“I fell to the ground, I had a little look to see if he’d give it and he gave it. I saw the red card and I was, like (exhales).
“These are the moments I live for. I just want to go out there and express myself, and I’m happy I contributed to the first goal.”
Armstrong added: “I was just praying he (Dykes) would score it. If he’d missed, God forbid they probably would have forgotten about my moment.
“Thank God he scored it. Lyndon is a great player and he has helped me around the place, so I’m happy for him.”
As for when he expects to get first goal in QPR colours, Armstrong said: “I’m a striker, so I want to get in there and score goals.
“But I have no doubt that my first goal is coming soon. If I can get my first goal at Loftus Road, I feel like the stadium is going to erupt.”
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