By Ben Kosky HARLESDEN teenager Antonio German accepts he has a fight on his hands to stay in the team – despite scoring on his full QPR debut. With on-loan pair Marcus Bent and Tamas Priskin nursing injuries, the 18-year-old striker was handed his first

By Ben Kosky

HARLESDEN teenager Antonio German accepts he has a fight on his hands to stay in the team - despite scoring on his full QPR debut.

With on-loan pair Marcus Bent and Tamas Priskin nursing injuries, the 18-year-old striker was handed his first start on Saturday and responded by netting the opening goal in Rangers' 2-1 win over Doncaster.

But German, who represented Brent Schools for two years while working his way through the Rs' youth set-up, admitted: "Getting in the team is not the hardest thing - it's staying in it.

"I'm just hoping I can do that and score a few more goals. The step up is a lot different from reserve football and I felt it towards the end on Saturday, but I put down a marker and I'm happy with that.

"I'm thankful for the opportunity from Mick [Harford], really. I've been working hard in training and he gave me a go - hopefully he's seen that I've taken the chance.

"My contract ends at the end of the season and hopefully I can get a new one. I like it at QPR - the training's good and the people are good too."

German, who attended St Gregory's Science College, Kenton, also played Harrow Youth League football for the Stonebridge-based St Andrew's Youth side.

After becoming a regular in Rangers' under-18 and reserve sides, the striker made his first senior appearance as a substitute at Southampton just under a year ago.

He also spent a month on loan with Aldershot Town earlier this season, but is full of praise for QPR youth team coaches Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham for the role they have played in his development.

"I have to give them a lot of credit," German added. "They've helped me on my movement, position and touch and sometimes they stay out with me after training to work on my finishing.

"There are quite a few good young players coming through - Angelo Balanta, Romone Rose and Josh Parker - and it's nice to be given a chance.