QPR striker Sean Adarkwa is grateful for the opportunity at Maidstone after a 10-month lay-off.

Adarkwa was sidelined with a back injury, shortly after joining the under-23 set-up at Loftus Road from London rivals West Ham.

He made his debut in the Stones’ Kent Senior Cup tie at Corinthian and has made two substitute appearances in the National League for Hakan Hayrettin’s side.

It’s been a long road back for the 22-year-old, who is midway through his initial month on loan at the Gallagher Stadium.

“I’ve come back from a 10-month injury and I’ve played a few games for the 23s at QPR,” said Adarkwa.

“I had a game against Brighton and Hak was there watching.

“Maidstone contacted the club and I came in and trained for a couple of weeks and then signed on loan. I thought it was the right thing to do.

“It’s tough being out injured but I just kept my head and kept going.

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“It was hard at the start, not being able to do too much gym work or running.

“It had to be quite basic but towards the end it got better and now I’m back.

“It’s lucky I got this loan here after a 10-month injury. I’m enjoying it.

“Training has been good and I’ve integrated well with the boys. They play good football.

“There’s a real good unit, a lot of unity here.

“Everyone’s close, everyone talks to each other. It’s good. I got lucky.

“The mentality in the National League, where it’s men’s football, is different as well.

“In 23s football it’s more about playing well and the result doesn’t affect anything.

“Playing in the National League, the results matter. We need to win. It’s about winning.

“A month isn’t long but if I can make an impact and affect some games, that would be good.”

Adarkwa, who lives in Dagenham, spent 10 years with West Ham before leaving in the summer of 2021.

Always an uncertain time for footballers, he was soon back in the game after a successful trial at QPR.

He’s seen friends he grew up with at West Ham make the first team and he’ll be doing everything he can to carve out a Football League career.

Gaining experience out on loan can only help his development.

“Whatever’s in front of me, I just push to go forward,” said Adarkwa.

“Whether I’m here for a month, or longer, that’s all I try to do, just push forward.

“My mentality coming here is to get goals, make an impact and do well for the team.

“Whatever comes from that, we’ll see.”