QPR defender Conor Masterson has thanked boss Mark Warburton for giving him a chance in the first-team and he has now set his sights on earning full international recognition with Ireland.
The centre-back joined the R’s in the summer after he was released by European champions Liverpool. However, he had to be patient in his quest for first-team football in the capital, with Masterson not making his debut for the Hoops until the 5-1 FA Cup win over Swansea back in January.
His performance that day prompted Warburton to give him a run in the team and he featured in the next six games before dropping back to the bench. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old was pleased to be given an opportunity and he told West London Sport that he is ‘grateful’ to the manager.
“We did speak about going out on loan but the manager told me I was going to play in the FA Cup. I did well in the game and he trusted me to carry on. He believed in me and could see what I could do. I can only thank him for giving me that chance. I’m very grateful.”
Should Conor Masterson start for the R's?
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Prior to the cup win over the Swans, Masterson’s only football this season had come for the Ireland U21 side, with the Kildare lad a regular as the Boys in Green top their Euro qualifying group after some impressive performances under Stephen Kenny, who has now replaced Mick McCarthy in charge of the senior team.
With the new chief vowing to do things his own way, that has prompted some to suggest he may turn to youth. And, Masterson made it clear that he will be doing all he can to force his way into the squad.
“It’s definitely an aim of mine. I know that if I play well for QPR I can put myself in the picture. I know Stephen well. I’ve worked with Stephen and he’s an excellent coach. I know he wants young players to come through and do well.”
Ireland are set to play a European Championships play-off semi-final against Slovakia in the coming months, which has been postponed due to the Coronavirus crisis. Should they get through that, and a final, they will qualify for Euro 2020, which will take place next year.
