One of QPR's leading lights this season has come in the surprising form of midfielder turned left back Ryan Manning, with the versatile 23-year-old having registered one goal and three assists from his new found position so far.

The Irishman has gone a long way towards justifying Mark Warburton's decision to move him into defence, with the former Brentford boss having first deployed Manning in his new role during pre-season.

The ex-Galway United man has made the position his own this term, with fellow full back Lee Wallace only now being close to a return from his injury woes this term, the Scotsman faces fight to win his place back in the starting eleven from the impressive Manning.

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Given the form that Manning has shown, it is perhaps unsurprising that the 23-year-old has been called up by his country for the first time, with the left back providing further insight on his reaction to the call up during an interview with the club's website:

The Verdict

It is fair to say that this is a much deserved call up for the 23-year-old, with Manning showing great drive and determination to reinvent himself as an attacking full back.

His workrate and defensive discipline make him ideal for the position of left back, with his attacking qualities giving the R's a new found dimension when they are on the front foot, where as he is strong in the tackle when out of possession.

From another perspective, this international call up is likely to be the first of many and at the same time could lead to the player eventually making a move between clubs, with a handful of Premier League clubs having been linked with the defender in recent months, Manning could well be on the move in January.

For now though the Irishman will be fully focused on his side's next league game against Middlesbrough, as the R's look to win for the first time in their last four Championship outings.