QPR striker happy to seek loan move

Tom Hitchcock celebrates his winner against Ipswich Town earlier this season PA Wire/Press Association Images

Tom Hitchcock says he will seek a move away from QPR on loan if he cannot establish himself as a first-team player this season.

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Hitchcock, who signed for Rangers in March 2012 after being released by Blackburn Rovers, has featured twice for Harry Redknapp’s side so far this season.

The 21-year-old striker, son of Rs goalkeeping coach Kevin, memorably scored the winner against Ipswich Town on his debut at Loftus Road earlier in the campaign.

But with Charlie Austin, Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson recently joined by loan signing Javier Chevanton, Hitchcock recognises that his first-team chances may be limited, and he is happy to pick up experience elsewhere.

“It is tough, especially at a club like QPR because we have so many good strikers here,” said Hitchcock. “If I’m not getting games then I will look to go out on loan somewhere.

“I need the experience and I need to be scoring goals. I’ve been scoring goals all through my career and my aim now is to progress into the first team at QPR.

“The other strikers have all been a real help in training, particularly AJ [Andy Johnson], they’re all really experienced players and great to be around.”

Hitchcock also revealed his father’s influence, which he says has been driving him on ever since he joined Blackburn Rovers’ academy at the age of 12.

Kevin Hitchcock made 96 appearances in goal for Chelsea, and also played for Mansfield Town and Northampton Town in a professional career spanning more than 20 years.

“He’s been a great help throughout my career. It probably has given me an advantage over other players because he’s always been there offering me advice, showing me how to keep the ball,” said Hitchcock.

“When I was growing up he’d have me down the park doing shooting practice – I’d always stick him in goal and I’d fancy my chances of scoring, I think I still would! It was him who helped me get a place at Blackburn when I was 12.

“I’m enjoying myself, it’s been great being around the first team. When I scored the winner against Ipswich all my family were there to see it. That was a great moment and one I’d been waiting a very long time for.”