Stephan keen for Kolli to establish himself after goals in QPR win

Julien Stephan hopes Rayan Kolli takes his potential chance to establish himself in the QPR side after the young forward scored twice in a 3-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Top scorer Rumarn Burrell put Rangers ahead with his 10th goal of the season, but limped off with a hamstring injury 10 minutes later.

That could hand Kolli a run in the team – and he staked his claim by coming on in Burrell’s place and netting a couple of late goals.

Head coach Stephan said: “He did well. I hope Rayan will be able to repeat this, because we know his qualities. We need to keep him on the pitch and healthy.”

Kolli has been hampered by injuries and recently returned to training after another lay-off.

And Stephan revealed that he considered taking the 20-year-old off when he appeared to be running out of steam in the closing stages.

Stephan explained: “Rayan only restarted (training) 10 days ago after a month out.

“To be honest, before the game and yesterday it was my reflection ‘start or not start’ because I felt that it was probably a good moment.

“My concern was that he was only back in training sessions 10 days. We didn’t train a lot because of all the games and for me he didn’t have enough sessions. But in fact he came on after 20 minutes and did well.

“Ten minutes before the end of the game I asked him if he was okay and able to continue and finish, because I was not sure. He told me ‘I am tired but it will be okay’. And he scored two good goals.”

Rangers are assessing Burrell’s injury and he is set to undergo a scan.