CHARLIE GETS HEADLINES BUT QPR INDEBTED TO GREENO Charlie Austin is the dream of headline writers around the world for his Cinderella story of rising from bricklayer to Premier League hero -- grabs the spotlight, but it is the man furthest away from him on the pitch who deserves a huge amount of credit. Long before Austin kicked into gear against a weak West Brom side on Saturday, Green was going through another purple patch. He made a string of excellent saves from the visitors, the best a blunt refusal to be beaten by Craig Gardner in the early minutes. As odd as it may sound, QPR were fortunate to be 2-0 down at 20 minutes because without Green, it could have been double that. Rangers do look impressive going forward; Austin defies logic with the way he scores goals despite not being an Olympic-quick sprinter or boasting a colossal figure. Eduardo Vargas is cunning and slippery and Leroy Fer is not in the Netherlands squad for nothing. But defensively they are fragile, which is why Green is being so generously afforded the opportunity to impress almost every week. Rob Green has been a contender for man of the match awards in almost every one of QPRs impressive performances this season. From Chelsea away to Manchester City at home, Green keeps popping up and keeping Rangers in contention. Praise must go to manager Harry Redknapp for giving Green his faith and exiling Champions League winner Julio Cesar. Green, one can only assume, was at a professional low point having left West Ham in 2012 for a QPR side that suddenly didnt appear to want him and were hell-bent on crashing out of the Premier League. More fool former boss Mark Hughes who made the decision -- among other questionable ones -- while at the helm at Loftus Road when he ditched Green for the Brazil star. Now Green, based on numeracy and meritocracy, is the first name on the team sheet. You wont find the ex-England man staying out until 5am or spouting off on Twitter. You may find him quietly reading, considering a tawdry-sounding career in football administration once he hangs up his gloves and generally debunking every stereotype you hear about modern day footballers. Joey Barton might not understand Rangers No.1 and he may mock his oak-embracing tendencies but with his weakish performances in midfield, he might be better inclined to turn around and give his goalkeeper a well-deserved hug.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 20:51:01 +0000
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