Darnell Furlong reckons Joey Barton and Rio Ferdinand were QPR inspirations last season - but now he hopes Clint Hill shows him the way when he returns from Northampton Town.

The 18-year-old is on loan at Sixfields with the Cobblers unbeaten in six League Two starts since his arrival.

“For me it has also been a learning curve, I have been doing okay, and I have just enjoyed it and am going to continue to do so.

Goal! Clint Hill scores

“It is all about first team football,” he said.

“Instead of playing against people my own age or a little bit older or younger, I am playing against men who have been in the game for a long time now.”

Chip off the block: Paul Furlong (L) and Martin Keown battle

Furlong made three Premier League appearances for Hoops last term, and admits QPR legend dad Paul is a mentor at home, but stalwart Hill fits the bill better when at work.

He said: “The big one for me at the moment is Clint Hill because he’s been there a long time.

“Last season it was also Joey and Rio, but they’re not there now.”

Past tense: Joey Barton and Richard Dunne at the end of last season