Junior Hoilett is hoping his impressive cameo display against Blackpool will help him force his way back into Harry Redknapp’s first-team plans between now and the end of the season.
The 23-year-old notched his first goal in over three months last weekend, and just his third this season, helping his team keep alive their slim hopes of automatic promotion with a share of the spoils.
After an encouraging start to the season the Canadian has endured a frustrating few months, struggling with a recurrence of injuries, a common theme throughout his Rangers career to date.
However, the former Blackburn starlet is making sure he stays positive as the Rs approach the final hurdle of the campaign.
“It’s been a difficult season for me as I’ve had a lot of injuries with my hamstrings so it’s been stop-start to say the least,” admitted Hoilett.
“I started off the season well but injuries have set me back a while. I’m staying positive though and working hard every day in training to get in the starting line-up.
“It was great to come on at the weekend and make such an impact, and it was bonus to get on the scoresheet too. Hopefully I’ll be able to add to my tally between now and the end of the season.”
Last Saturday’s disappointing draw at home to Blackpool left the Rs nine points off second-placed Burnley with seven games to go but the Canadian says that point could be vital come May.
“If that point helps us get promoted then of course it’ll be very important," he added. "Everyone’s goal is to get back in the Premier League – that’s where we want to be.
"Most of our players have played there before so we want to make sure we’re there next season for sure.
“With the players we have people expect us to go out and win every game but it’s a tough league.
"What we need to make sure we do now is to give 100 per cent in our last seven games and hopefully we can get automatic promotion, if not we’ll fancy our chances in the play-offs.”
