Saturday 8 November 2014 21:47, UK
Harry Redknapp believes Charlie Austin is reaping the benefits of playing alongside Bobby Zamora at QPR.
Austin scored the opener in front of England manager Roy Hodgson in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City and proved a constant menace, prompting the Saturday Night Football team to debate whether the former Burnley striker could be close to an international call up.
"He's improving, he's getting better every game and his confidence is high," said Redknapp. "I think playing with Bobby (Zamora) has been a big plus for him.
"Bobby Zamora has done excellent for us and playing up there with Charlie has been a big plus.
"His hold-up play is getting better, his general all-round play is getting better and his confidence is high because when you start to score a few goals it makes a massive difference to any goalscorer.
"It's all about confidence and his confidence is high at the moment."
Sky Sports pundit Ruud Gullit also believes Austin is benefitting from his promising partnership with Zamora and that QPR will reap the rewards when both are fit and firing.
“It’s a good partnership, you can see that,” he said.
“Austin is a clever player. He gets in positions that he can score goals. It’s not a coincidence and he has a real nose for it.
“Zamora is the target and makes it possible for him to get in the positions. Unfortunately for Zamora, at the end of the game he gets a little bit tired and that’s a pity for Austin. He gets less into the game and there are less moments he can hold the ball up.
“That’s the only downside, but it is lovely to see.”
Reflecting on his side's overall display, Redknapp said: "I really felt once we got in front 2-1 that we'd go on and win the game but they're always dangerous, they've got loads of quality players in their team.
"Overall I felt that when we went one up we were well on top and they scored against the run of play.
"I felt we came strong again second half, went 2-1 up and I thought we'd hang on there."
He added: "Another excellent performance from QPR, I thought we were great tonight."
