In an ideal world Reece Grego-Cox would be back at Newport County by now - or at least another League Two club.

But the Hammersmith-born striker is actually playing in the U23 QPR squad.

It's what Ian Holloway and director of football Les Ferdinand want least.

Splash headline: Reece Grego-Cox for Newport (L) against Barnet

In fact, when it comes to blooding youngsters like Grego-Cox, Ferdinand and the gaffer believe there's far more to be gained from greater competition in Leagues One and Two.

Darnell Furlong and Michael Doughty did well at Swindon earlier in the season, and RGC was at Newport until his loan was cut short by a knee injury in early December.

Academy hit: Grego-Cox at beginning of February

Now, because new rules don't allow loans outside transfer windows, Grego-Cox knows he has to mightily impress in the U23s, or get a chance of Championship appearances to earn a new deal when his runs out at the end of the season.

"In an ideal world, I'd like to loan him, and one or two of them out, but can I do that at the minute," said Holloway.

"They're going to get a chance and who's to say we can't continue with the balance of youth and experience we have at the moment. That would please me more than anything."

Fact File: Reece Grego-Cox

Age: 20

Appearances:

2016-17: Newport County (loan) 8

2015-16: QPR 1

2014-15: QPR 4 (all Premier League)

In case, you're wondering about the video - how about this? The return of former costly QPR import Chris Samba to English football! Who would have thought?

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