Sunday 21 December 2014 08:12, UK
QPR manager Harry Redknapp thinks hat-trick hero Charlie Austin is the perfect role model for any young player wanting to become a professional footballer.
Austin scored his first Premier League treble as QPR came from 2-0 down to beat West Brom 3-2, taking his tally to 11 goals in the league this season.
“When you’ve got Charlie in the team you’ve always got a chance of scoring goals,” Redknapp said.
“For any young player watching football, it’s a great story. There’s a lad who’s struggled around the non-leagues and suddenly he gets a break, works his way up to the Premier League. It’s Roy of the Rovers stuff. It’s fantastic for him as he’s a great lad.
“Charlie gives everything. He made a tackle with 10 minutes to go deep in our half. A saving tackle when we were under pressure.”
Five years ago, Austin was plying his trade for non-league Poole Town in the Wessex League and working full-time as a bricklayer before he got his break with Swindon Town.
After scoring goals 37 goals in 65 games for the Robins, he joined Burnley before moving to QPR last summer for £4m.
Redknapp believes that Austin’s route to the top provides a perfect example for footballers everywhere that with the right application anything is possible.
“He’s been out on a building site working all day in the freezing cold, so he knows what it’s like to work; he enjoys every minute of being a footballer,” Redknapp said.
“I think a lot of young kids come into football today and get everything given to them. They don’t put a shift in and don’t appreciate what they’ve got. Charlie is a great example for anyone who wants to get there.”