Les Ferdinand has backed Charlie Austin to win an England call-up if the QPR star continues his scoring spree.
The striker has smashed six goals in 10 games since the R’s won promotion to the Premier League and is on Roy Hodgson’s radar.
Austin was overlooked for this week’s international fixtures, but the former non-League hotshot can force his way into the Three Lions squad, according to Ferdinand.
“You can’t ignore goalscorers,” said QPR’s head of football operations.
“If you look at England at the moment, that’s the department we are struggling in. If Charlie can continue doing what he has done in front of goal, he gives himself a great chance.”
Austin’s rise from part-time football to the Premier League mirrors Rs legend Ferdinand’s path to the top.
And he insists the former Burnley frontman’s goals will be vital if Harry Redknapp’s side are to beat the drop.
“We know it’s imperative for your striker to be scoring goals if you are to stay in this division,” Ferdinand said.
“He needs 15-20 goals a season and I think that guarantees you your position in the Premier League. If you get the supply to strikers they will score goals, and Charlie’s in that mould.
“I went to watch [Diego] Costa and he’s the best I’ve seen, he will pick the ball up and run with it. Charlie’s not that type. He needs to get in the box.”
