Ephraim joined QPR from West Ham in January last year

Hogan Ephraim has vowed to keep his feet on the ground after Paulo Sousa tipped him for international honours.

The QPR forward, who qualifies to play for England, Nigeria and the Republic of Ireland, was praised by coach Sousa after his team's win against Swansea.

Ephraim, 20, said: "It makes me very proud that he said that.

"But I won't let it go to my head, because I know if I have a bad game on Saturday he'll be the first one telling me how bad I was."

Ephraim has spent much of his Rangers career so far as a winger, but has mostly played through the middle under Sousa.

“He isn’t a winger. For me he has played in the middle and this is his role," Sousa insisted.

606: DEBATE I've always rated Hogan and am glad he's playing in the correct position QF

"Hogan can play fantastically there and he is a player for the national team in my opinion.

“He has made a lot of progress in the last month and I don’t have a doubt he is a player who can progress a lot more. He can be a much better player than he is at this moment.”

Ephraim added: “It’s nice to hear that and I do appreciate it, but I’ve just got to keep performing and see what happens.

"For him (Sousa) to say that about me is really nice because the man has played the game at the very highest level and with him in charge I feel I can only flourish.

“The manager feels I play best through the middle and I’ve put in some good performances so I’m happy there, although I’ll play anywhere if I’m performing.”

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