EXCLUSIVE: Reece Grego-Cox aiming to score the goals to help QPR back to the Premier League

QPR striker Reece Grego-Cox EMPICS Sport

Reece Grego-Cox wants to push on next season by helping to fire QPR back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

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The Hammersmith-born striker was introduced at half-time against Newcastle United on Saturday, adding some energy and pace to a Rangers side who were a goal down thanks to Emmanuel Riviere’s first-half strike.

Goals from Matt Phillips and Leroy Fer secured a 2-1 victory for the Super Hoops – their first at Loftus Road in 2015.

Grego-Cox, 18, had previously been used late on in matches against Spurs and Crystal Palace and enjoyed getting some more time to show the Rs faithful what he is all about.

He told the Brent & Kilburn Times: “It was amazing. Coming on for 45 minutes with the team 1-0 down you’ve got nothing to lose really, as a young player coming on. I just got told to work hard, like I do in training.

“The intensity is a lot quicker. I’m playing against bigger, stronger and more experienced players but for me I don’t see it as a different game – it’s still a football match. I just do what I can do for the team.

“It’s my first win since I’ve been involved with the first team. It is an amazing feeling to give something back to the fans.

“I couldn’t have imagined playing in the Premier League at the start of the season, but now it has happened I’ve just got to put my name out there even more by scoring some goals.

He added: “This is the only thing I’ve wanted to do since I was a young kid. I’ve got to show the manager, the older players and the fans just how much I want it. I will continue to work hard and give it my best for the team.”

Grego-Cox joined QPR in 2010 after he was spotted by former Rs scout Terry O’Sullivan playing for Bedfont Eagles.

Rangers legend Kevin Gallen coached him in the Under-14s and the fresh-faced forward admits he likes to play up front with another forward, as he did when paired with Charlie Austin against the Toon Army.

He said: “It’s always better to play up alongside another striker I think.

“Being my size I prefer to run on to the ball. I’m not the strongest at holding the ball up so if I can get the ball to my feet then I’m always looking to see what options I have, if there is someone I can lend it to or if I can turn and try to create a chance or get a shot off.”

Grego-Cox qualifies to play for the Republic of Ireland through his grandmother, who hails from County Kerry.

Having become a key player for the Ireland Under-19 team, he has now been placed on standby for the Under-21 squad.

It may mean his season is extended for a few more weeks, after which he intends to get away for a holiday before beginning to prepare for life in the Championship.

With Chris Ramsey now installed as head coach for the next three years, Grego-Cox is confident he and other youngsters at the club will get opportunities to play first- team football next season.

He said: “He’s brilliant. I think Chris trusts the younger players – he had belief in us. He never knocks anyone down, never knocks your confidence.

“You know the rights and wrongs – he always gets 100 per cent out of everyone in training. He’s a really good coach.

“The younger players look up to the likes of Darnell Furlong, who has started three matches this season.

“Brandon Comley, Cole Kpekawa and I are showing that if we can get into the first-team squad then the other players in the Under-21s and the Under-18s can do it.

“They’ve just got to prepare their minds, work hard in training and hopefully they will get the chance that we’ve got.”

Veteran defender Richard Dunne believes Grego-Cox has the talent to become a key player for the club.

He said: “Every day I have to mark him in training and I always come in with bruises and cuts everywhere. He’s launching into tackles and getting stuck in to all of the lads. When he gets his opportunity I’m sure he will score plenty of goals as well.”

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