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Karl Henry predicts bright future for QPR youngsters coming through

QPR midfielder Karl Henry has high hopes for a number of youngsters at the club EMPICS Sport

QPR midfielder Karl Henry has heaped praise on a number of the club’s youngsters, predicting a bright future for many of them trying to make the grade at Loftus Road.

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The 33-year-old, who is in discussions over extending his three-year spell in W12, has been encouraged with recent displays from the likes of Matt Ingram, Cole Kpekawa and Michael Petrasso.

He told the Times: “I’ve been really impressed with the young lads who have come in.

“It’s very difficult as a young defender to come into a team, especially in the Championship, so to slot in the way Cole has done has been great.

“I thought Mikey Petrasso did really well in what was a difficult game for us all at Burnley too, and was perhaps unfortunate not to play again [against Bristol City].

“Matty has been brilliant in goal as well. I’m sure the manager has been closely monitoring his progress and wondering whether he could handle playing first-team games at this level yet - and he’s come through with flying colours.

“There are other young players as well here who look promising, that’s what the fans want to see [youngsters coming through the system].

“It’s something that clubs want as well. They invest a lot of time and money in the hope of seeing some of those younger players breaking through.

“There are lots of good players that you see at the ages of 16 to 18 that appear nailed on to make it, but for one reason or another don’t get that opportunity. Timing is crucial and you need a bit of luck.

“Hopefully the lads here can come through, get some regular football at this level and go on to have good, long careers.”