When Kazenga LuaLua got his first big break in football he was busy on his PlayStation like any other 15-year-old boy would have been in his spare time.
The tricky winger, who just signed for QPR on a loan deal until the end of the season, had persistently pleaded with his older brother Lomana, who was playing for Newcastle United, to get him a trial and that day he got the good news he had been waiting for.
The Congo-born midfielder spent five years on the Tyne after impressing in the three-week trial but never really established himself at St James' Park.
LuaLua enjoyed real success at Brighton on the south coast but this season he has struggled with injury so will need to build up his match fitness in the coming weeks.
Despite a lack of legs, QPR fans will be hoping to see his infamous double back-flip goal celebration when he makes his debut against Reading this evening.
"I just want to get out there and play. I am looking forward to helping QPR have a good second half to the season. I want to help the lads continue on from the wins they earned in the league starting with Reading," said the 26-year-old.
"It has been tough for me this season with the knee injury which meant I had to sit out most of the first half of the season. It is never easy when you are recovering from an injury and all the work you need to do to get back. I am just happy to be fit again and that the boss has given me this opportunity at QPR. I want to repay QPR with good performances and more importantly help get the results we need."
Meanwhile, Rangers joined Plymouth in top spot for the most defeats in the FA Cup third round after the loss to Blackburn last weekend.
The Hoops have now lost 48 games at this stage of the competition which makes for grim reading but little else is expected from the Hoops in cup competitions.
Bring on the Championship.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
