Becoming a regular starter under manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is the key aim for QPR's Nasser El Khayati heading into the 2016/17 Championship season.
The pair worked together at Burton Albion from January to early December 2015, with the striker starting 17 of the first 20 games in the Brewers’ maiden League One campaign, before the former departed for the Smoke.
El Khayati remained a key part of the playing staff at the Pirelli Stadium until he followed his countryman to west London two months later, but has found chances limited at Loftus Road with only two starting appearances to his name thus far.
A magnificent last-minute winner in blue and white against relegated Charlton last month has undoubtedly given Hasselbaink food for thought, but the Dutchman – who recently revealed his international allegiance lies with Morocco – is happy to trust the decisions made by his boss.
He said, “I want to definitely have a starting spot at the beginning of next season. In my opinion I am ready to play now, but the gaffer is making the decisions – which I accept – and I am ready to come on as a sub and try to make the difference.
“It’s disappointing for me personally - I always want to play; I’m not happy sitting on the bench but it is what it is – I didn’t join a small team, I joined a very big club in England so you have to be patient and wait for your chance.
And the winger made no bones about his aims for next season, insisting that he will be raring to go come 3pm on 6 August.
“For me, my aim is to play as much as possible, take my chance and get minutes in my legs at a high level,' he added.
'You have to settle in and get used to everything but I am the person who wants to be ready for game number one.
“After a good pre-season I will be ready to be part of a team who can reach great things.”
