R's handed striker boost
QPR have been boosted by the news striker Ray Jones wants to stay at Loftus Road despite their fears he will leave during January.
The 18-year-old grabbed the only goal of the game on Monday as Rangers secured a 1-0 home win against Colchester to boost their survival hopes. He will be out of contract in the summer and boss John Gregory has admitted that he expects the player to move on to pastures new, despite claiming it would enhance his career to stay put.
However Jones, who has already been the subject of an unsatisfactory offer from Premiership side Fulham, says he would be happy to stay put.
He told the club's official website: \"I want to stay here and I hope that will all be sorted in the next few weeks.
\"I'm playing first-team football for QPR and gaining experience all the time.
\"I didn't think I'd be involved this early on in my career - but I think I've adapted quite well to life in the Championship.
\"Why would I want to sit on the bench at a Premiership club?\"
Despite Jones' admission, Gregory added: \"Am I resigned to losing him? Quite frankly, yes.
\"Ray is out of contract in the summer, and his agent refuses to give him the opportunity to sign a new deal with us. Ray has been ill-advised.
\"January could see certain clubs try to nick him. Ray would be much better off staying here and developing his career.
\"It should not be about money for players of Ray's age. You hear about players who are stars at his age, but never go any further.
\"If he stayed here a little longer, he could be in a position where he is ready to go into Arsenal's or Manchester United's first team at the age of 23.\"
