Faith in Youth?

IS IT time that youngsters were brought through more readily in W12?

It’s the desire of every football fan, to see the club developing its own talents, and spearheading the charge to higher grounds from its own bedrock of talented youngsters.

In the modern day club’s such as QPR are finding this a tough ask indeed, considering it’s most prestigious developments of recent years have been poached without so much of a whimper.

Evidently some have fared better than others with Dean Parrett sitting firmly in the background at Spurs, but Raheem Sterling is now carving out an England career in performances that seem to improve game on game at Liverpool.

Rangers’ current predicament is laid bare, none more so than in attack, where the threadbare nature of the forward line sees Jamie Mackie – a wide-man predominantly in recent years – leading the front-line on his own, while Djibril Cissé is the only other recognised striker waiting in the wings.

Supporters have craved an appetite that in fairness Cissé has surprisingly lacked in recent fixtures. A languid running style, speculative drives and gesticulating stood-still every time a ball isn’t played into his feet.

Mackie meanwhile charges around like a bull in a china shop, and while this is evidently positive for those around him, he is leaving his position as the spearhead of attack to win the ball back – no-one taking up the mantle in his stead.

Young, hungry players cost very little and would evidently motivated at the prospect of Premier League football. Unearthing another potential Jamie Mackie, even for 20 minutes of a match can make things happen for others and perhaps inspire those around them to play with a bit more vigour.

Young players such as Mo Sharif and Tom Hitchcock are scoring at a regular basis at Under 21 and Under 18 level, and one of which is surely deserving of a place on the bench and an opportunity to prove their worth.

Meanwhile DJ Campbell and Rob Hulse and firing goals for Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic at present, with DJ certainly worthy of another look in January – until then should the exuberance of youth be allowed to shine?