QPR defender Osman Kakay was unsurprisingly delighted to make his debut for his boyhood club against Rochdale, earning rave reviews.

This content could not be loaded Great win today! Over the moon to have made my debut for @officialqpr today ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/0tSNOw0VGb — Osman Kakay (@Ozzyballer2) August 23, 2016

Kakay, who turns 19 today, joined Queens Park Rangers at the age of eight and has been with the club ever since, save for a spell last season on loan at Livingston.

During his time in Scotland he made 10 league appearances, but has stayed with the Championship side this season and was selected by manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to make his debut in the EFL Cup second round win over Rochdale on Tuesday.

Despite being primarily a defender, Kakay started on the right side of midfield and performed well enough to earn a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 73rd minute.

Hasselbaink had enough faith in Kaky to give him his debut out of position

West London Sport gave his performance 8/10, stating: “Some of his defensive work was superb, while his trickery and pace caused Rochdale’s backline problems.”

Teammates were also quick to praise Kakay for his debut performance.

This content could not be loaded Through to the next round! Great performances from everyone and well done to my bro on his debut! @Ozzyballer2 ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/nsN3nL0ew4 — Mide Shodipo (@MideSho) August 23, 2016

He gave an interview to the QPR website, in which he said: “It’s a big achievement and a dream come true for me having been at this club for so long.

“I’ve worked hard, I’ve waited for my chance and the gaffer has been keen to get me involved, so it’s been great.

“I’m a right-back by trade but the gaffer sees me playing in other positions and that’s great.

“I’m just happy to be in and around the first team and if the manager wants me to play in a wide midfield role, of course I’m happy too!”

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Referring to the standing ovation, he said: “[It] was amazing and meant a lot to me personally. It showed the fans appreciated my performance and that’s something really special as a young player.”

Kakay has missed out on international age-grade honours thus far, but if he continues to be involved in QPR’s upcoming matches and gives a good account of himself, he may soon find his profile on the rise and have some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs taking an interest in him – but QPR will undoubtedly endeavour to hold on to one of their most prized assets.

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