Michael Doughty was hailed as the next big thing at QPR last season - but his Rs chances have been thin on the ground since then.

Even so the midfielder has played down a permanent move to Swindon Town even if the Robins gaffer wants the 23-year-old to sever ties with Hoops.

Boss Luke Williams made no secret of his desire to get Doughty on a long-term contract - but the player, with Rangers since he was 14, was more circumspect despite a terrific February run of form during his loan spell at the County Ground.

Doughty scored the winner in a 2-1 away win over Peterborough on Saturday to add to his growing reputation, but planted his backside on the fence regarding the future.

Eyes on the prize: Dexter Blackstock (L) and Michael Doughty get stuck in

“Honestly, I think it would be a bit naïve of myself to start talking about my future after three goals,” the former Wales U21 international said.

“I’ve got to continue my performances and the rest will speak for itself,” he told the Swindon Evening Advertiser.

Williams made his intentions clear.

“If something was able to be done to bring him to the football club permanently, I think everybody would be delighted,” he said.

“He’s a player that fits in very well with all the other players, gives so much on the pitch – work-rate – and he’s obviously got quality and he can score a goal, so I don’t think there’s too many things that we don’t like about Michael Doughty.”

Doughty also earned praise from QPR chairman Tony Fernandes when he made his Premier League debut in a rare away win at Sunderland 12 months ago, and increased his standing after presenting himself as a new slimmed down athlete following a summer of slog.

However, he found it hard to break into Rs midfield permanently this term, even if he does have an extended contract at Loftus Road until the summer of 2018.

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