QPR manager Mark Warburton says that goalkeeper Seny Dieng has what it takes to play at the very highest level of the game.

Following several spells out on loan, Dieng has been handed the chance to establish himself as QPR's number one between the posts this season, and it is an opportunity he has certainly taken.

The 26-year-old has made 29 appearances in all competitions for Warburton's side, producing a string of impressive performances and outstanding saves to help them to 13th in the current Championship standings.

Indeed, Premier League trio Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Leeds were all credited with an interest in Dieng during the January transfer, and it does seem as though that is a step up Warburton believes the 'keeper will be able to make.

Speaking to West London Sport about the 26-year-old, the QPR boss: “Seny is a very confident guy – not arrogant but confident and he made his thoughts very clear to me.

“I said to him ‘You have two excellent goalkeepers in Liam (Kelly) and Joe Lumley (in front of you)’ and we were spoilt for choice having three top keepers vying for the jersey. But when Seny got into the side he made his claim very strongly.

“You can see in his distribution, his shot stopping, he is an outstanding goalkeeper. He is still young and his best years are ahead of him.”

Discussing the impact that Dieng has had on QPR's defence, and the future he may have ahead of him, Warburton added: “The (improved) defence is not all down to him, it is down to the defence working hard.

“But you saw against Preston, the way he came for balls he was very confident, showed good handling and there is no doubt that is reassuring for the defensive side of the team. When you hear ‘Seny’s ball’ you know he is going to collect it and that is very comforting.

“There is no doubt Seny has all the attributes to go to the very highest level. That is not said loosely, because that position is so important, but he has so many qualities."

Dieng only signed a new four-year contract with QPR earlier this season, securing his future at the club until the end of the 2023/24 season.

The Verdict

I do think that Warburton has a point with what he is saying here.

Dieng has stepped up to Championship level brilliantly this season, and it does seem as though he is capable of going even further in his career in the future.

Indeed, the interest there was in Dieng back in January, means it does seem as though there are plenty of others within the game who also hold that belief.

As a result, you do feel that QPR will be rather relieved they were able to secure Dieng to that new contract earlier this season, which will at least put them in a stronger position to deal with any interest in him that emerges.