Angelo Balanta hammered home his first team credentials with an impressive double tonight as QPR drew 2-2 with Celje in Slovenia.
New manager Jim Magilton has spoken of his keenness to get the club’s youngsters more involved with the first team picture this season and Angelo Balanta has staked his claim with a two goal haul in the first match of the Slovenian tour this evening.
Playing wide in midfield Balanta opened the scoring midway through the first half after a one two on the edge of the penalty area with Mikele Leigertwood and scored again after the hour mark with a fine finish from an cute angle. In between Rangers conceded a goal in the seconds before half time and then straight away at the start of the second period. Heidar Helguson cracked the bar late on and Gareth Ainsworth had a close range header disallowed for a foul on the home keeper but in the end the R’s had to settle for a draw.
The game saw youth team keeper Elvis Putnins make his first appearance for the senior side, coming on for Radek Cerny after an hour, and Ivan Gvozdenovic a trialist left back who has played for Red Star Belgrade and Standard Leige in his career to date. The R’s lost Mikele Leigertwood to illness in the extreme heat midway through the first half but gave a first start to new Argentinean signing Alejandro Faurlin.
The QPR team in full was: Cerny, Ramage, Gvozdenovic, Connolly, Gorkss, Leigertwood, Routledge, Balanta, Helguson, Faurlin and Agyemang. Subs: Oastler, Putnins, Brown, Borrowdale, Mahon, Alberti and Ainsworth.
While there was no run out for striker Dexter Blackstock this evening but his future at Rangers looks more secure with Jim Magilton insisting the striker is part of his plans. Magilton told the Kilburn Times: “As I see it, Dexter's a QPR player and you haven't heard anything from me to reverse that situation. I'm sure if an offer came in for any player at any club the length and breadth of the country, the board would always consider it. But at the moment there hasn't been any offer. Dexter's applied himself terrifically well. I've absolutely no problem with him or any of the other players being here and, as long as they keep applying themselves in the same manner, there won't be any problem.”
Magilton also told the Times he may yet add striker David Connolly to his arsenal despite a disappointing display at Aldershot on Saturday. He said: “David's had 16 or 17 months where he hasn't played a lot of football, so 45 minutes at Aldershot isn't going to make my mind up just yet. There's a long way to go.” There has yet been no official confirmation of the Alessandro Pellicori signing from Avellino despite the striker doing < ahref= http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.qpritalia in his homeland stating he has signed a contract at Loftus Road.
New Burnley signing Richard Eckersley has been explaining his decision to snub a new deal with Man Utd and a season long loan move to QPR in favour of a permanent move to Turf Moor. The young full back said: “QPR are a big club. But it was a no-brainer when Burnley came, because I want to perform in the Premier League. I like the way Burnley play, they pass and move, and I am looking to get some games under my belt.”
The hunt for a new goalkeeper continues following the departure of Lee Camp with Czech stopper Martin Lejsal travelling to Slovenia with the team to cover for Radek cerny and Elvis Putnins. Magilton told the Kilburn Times: “Radek will play every game until we get another one in. We've got a few irons in the fire and if we can find one who will bring competition into the club, then I'll be looking to sign him. Competition's very important - it keeps everyone on their toes. Radek's 35 now, he's an outstanding keeper, and he needs that sort of pressure week in week out.”
Elsewhere in the Championship today another Kaspars Gorkss style on-off transfer saga involving Blackpool has come to an end with full back and long throw specialist Shaun barker moving to Derby County for £1m. The Rams have allowed striker Liam Dickinson to move to Brighton. QPR-boo-boy target Bradley Wright Phillips has signed for Plymouth from Southampton, Stewart Downing has jumped ship at Middlesbrough and gone to Aston Villa for £12m, Jonathan Greening has told West Brom he would like to do the same after the Baggies rejected an offer from Fulham for his services yesterday. Finally, somewhat surprisingly, tricky Preston winger Simon Whaley is apparently set to drop down a division and join Norwich.