Ephraim has earned his shot with the first team, reveals Hughes

Hogan Ephraim will be given a place in QPR’s 25-man squad this season, Mark Hughes has confirmed.

The 24-year-old midfielder signed a one-year contract extension this week, keeping him at the club until 2014, after impressing Hughes during pre-season.

Ephraim has made 117 appearances for QPR since 2007, but his Rangers future appeared in doubt last season after he was omitted from both squads under Hughes and his predecessor Neil Warnock, instead spending time on loan at Charlton Athletic and Bristol City.

However, Ephraim’s recent form has convinced Hughes to include him in the squad, which the manager will submit on September 1.

“He’s done really well,” Hughes told London24.com. “At this stage it’s certainly my intention to include him in the squad.”

Ephraim said: “There’s been a lot of player movement – both in and out – so I’m happy that I’ve signed and I know where my future lies.

“The manager has been very good to me ever since he arrived here. He backed me up with a new contract last year and now another one this season.”

Follow me on Twitter @QPRTimes.