Northern Ireland youngster has impressed in cameo displays recently

Queens Park Rangers boss Ian Holloway says promising forward Paul Smyth could start against Nottingham Forest in the Championship on Saturday.

The 20-year-old, a summer signing from Linfield, has been gradually eased back into action after recovering from a recent injury.

Smyth grabbed an assist in last Saturday’s win over Bolton Wanderers after coming on as a substitute, and also impressed off the bench in the loss at Sheffield United on Tuesday night.

And it is those cameo displays that have given Holloway food for thought ahead of hosting Aitor Karanka’s Forest this weekend.

“Young Smyth is shouting at me ‘pick me gaffer’ with his performances,” the 54-year-old told the club website.

“I’ve never worked with a hungrier youngster – wow, what a breath of fresh air.

“He’s what we want up there, running in behind off big Smithy. He’s very intelligent with his movement and the way he reads the game.

“He’s screaming at me and he’ll get his chance soon enough!”