By Ben Kosky HOGAN Ephraim has been tipped as a future England star after inspiring QPR to their first win in 10 games. Ephraim sparkled in the centre of midfield and linked up well with loan signing Adel Taarabt as Rangers overcame play-off hopefuls Swan

By Ben Kosky

HOGAN Ephraim has been tipped as a future England star after inspiring QPR to their first win in 10 games.

Ephraim sparkled in the centre of midfield and linked up well with loan signing Adel Taarabt as Rangers overcame play-off hopefuls Swansea City at Loftus Road on Tuesday.

Although the 20-year-old started his career as a striker at West Ham and was deployed wide when he first came to Loftus Road, Rs boss Paulo Sousa believes he could gain international honours in a central role.

"He's not a winger," said Sousa. "From the moment I came here he's worked in the middle. He's a player for the national team, in my opinion.

"He's made a lot of progress and he can be a much better player, but I don't have any doubt."

London-born Ephraim, the son of an Irish mother and Nigerian father, has already represented England from under-16 through to under-19 level.

Meanwhile, Sousa confirmed that Wayne Routledge (knee) and striker Dexter Blackstock (hamstring) are both struggling to be fit for Saturday's clash with Bristol City.