Stephan found criticism of QPR youngster ‘difficult to accept’
Julien Stephan says he was glad to see Daniel Bennie answer his doubters with a superb goal for QPR against Hull.
The Australian, 19, struggled during the recent home defeat against Blackburn.
But, soon after coming on as a substitute on Saturday, he scored with a long-range strike to restore the lead for Rangers, who went on to win 3-1.
Head coach Stephan said: “It’s great for his confidence. At the end of the game last week I heard a couple of things, negative things about Danny, and it was very difficult for me to accept that, because he is only 19 years old, is always positive for the team, always positive for the club.
“He deserved that (goal) and I hope he will continue like this, because he has a strong mentality and good qualities.”
Bennie, signed from Perth Glory in 2024, featured for Stephan’s side during pre-season but had to wait until last month for his first Championship appearance under the Frenchman.
He impressed Stephan in training, convincing him that he was a viable first-team player – potentially as a centre-forward, having previously operated as a winger.
“Even if Danny didn’t play in the early part of the season, he always showed great commitment in training,” Stephan explained.
“That was a big thing for me. It made me feel that when he got a chance to play he would be good.
“For sure he will have good performances, because his mindset is top. The mindset is fantastic. The commitment every day is fantastic.
“Probably he had some frustration during the first part of the season. I decided to give more opportunities to other players. But he took that very well.
“This is the mindset we want to develop for all the players because, when you don’t have this opportunity, you will probably have it in the future, and when you have this opportunity you have to take it.
“So you need to keep that good mindset and mentality, and this has been the case with Danny and I’m very happy for him.”
Meanwhile, R’s winger Kwame Poku has returned to training following a hamstring injury.
But Ilias Chair will remain sidelined for at least another couple of matches.
