Darnell Furlong is fast, calm and can pick a pass... but the slim 21-year-old needs to bulk up in the Championship
- QPR's Darnell Furlong is the man under scrutiny this week for The Secret Scout
- Ian Holloway has shown faith in the 21-year-old right back, son of Paul Furlong
- After loans away from Loftus Road, Furlong is now tasting first-team football
Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. He brings you his verdict in Sportsmail.
This week it is QPR's Darnell Furlong under the microscope...
QPR's Darnell Furlong is the man under the microscope this week for The Secret Scout
WHAT HAS HE GOT?
Ian Holloway has shown faith in this 21-year-old right back, the son of former centre forward Paul. After loan spells at Northampton, Cambridge and Swindon, he is now tasting first team football at Loftus Road.
About 5ft 10in with a slim frame, he has an athletic build. When I saw him last, his early play was confident, with a firm block tackle, a precise deep cross and an awareness of his covering positions.
He has fair pace and wants to pass the ball rather than hit aimless long balls. A second-half, fast, 50-yard supporting run on the outside proved what he is capable of.
It can be difficult for a young player to impose himself - particularly when, as in this game, he had to deal with the opponents’ quickest player. I was impressed with his calm when the crowd grew restless and that is another plus point.
Ian Holloway has shown faith in this 21-year-old right back, the son of former forward Paul
WHAT DOES HE NEED?
Although he springs well at the back post, I detected that he didn’t have enough physical power to prevent his opposing winger defeating him in the air. Also, as one game drifted away from his team he lacked a determination to impose himself. That is always tough when young.
In front of him, a wide right player took Furlong’s space when he wanted to advance and although he tried to give early passes he was frustrated by forward colleagues taking one touch too many or dribbling in to trouble. Therefore, it was difficult for him to sacrifice his position to support.
In an average Championship side, he should have plenty of opportunity as Holloway transforms QPR’s playing staff into a more vigorous and energetic group. Furlong’s progress will be monitored closely and he wil only improve as he plays more games at this level.
If he works hard, he will maintain a regular place and I think his value will increase.
After loan spells in the lower leagues, Furlong is now tasting first-team football at Loftus Road
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