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Wednesday, September 03, 2008

QPR: Looking Forward to Akos Buzsaky's Return...Assessing Hogan Ephraim's Prospects

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Dave McIntyre/BBC606 - Buzsaky is back
Akos Buzsaky is back and hoping to feature against Southampton on Sunday week.
Buzsaky played the second half of a reserve game against Charlton on Tuesday afternoon and looked encouragingly sharp for a player who had been out since since April.
Surgery on an ankle injury appears to have done the trick and Buzsaky is now back in contention for a first-team place.
Akos is playing down his chances of returning against Southampton and everyone knows the squad is much stronger than when he was very much Rangers’ main man during the second half of last season.
But in many people’s opinion – including mine – Buzsaky is still the main man even with the arrival of Dani Parejo and the justified excitement surrounding Emmanuel Ledesma.
The question is: where does he now fit in? This is likely to be the subject of much discussion among Rangers fans.
Ledesma’s suspension after his sending off at Bristol City creates an immediate opening on the right flank, which either Buzsaky or Martin Rowlands could fill.
In the longer term I would simply restore Akos to his best position, just behind the striker, with Parejo dropping back into an out-and-out central midfield role.
The idea of having Parejo playing further forward has some merit and it’s a position he can do well in.
But he is a central midfielder, and despite the obvious problems he could have adjusting to the cut and thrust of the English game, he ought to have enough about him and enough protection from someone like Mikele Leigertwood to play in that position.
And what of Hogan Ephraim?
In January his signing was welcomed by fans but the arrival of other players, particularly Lee Cook, could make it difficult for him to force his way into the side.
But he remains a good prospect who shouldn’t be written off.
He scored a fine goal and played well against Charlton’s second string and looks in good shape after recovering from shin splints.
It’s obvious from speaking to Hogan that he is desperate to prove he can make an impact despite the strong competition for places.
He also has the advantage of being able to play in a few different positions and could well make an important contribution this season. BBC606