Former Gillingham loanee Michael Doughty makes his Premier League debut for QPR at Sunderland
Published: 00:00, 11 February 2015
Updated: 09:40, 11 February 2015
Michael Doughty made his Premier League debut for QPR a month after ending a loan spell with Gillingham.
Midfielder Doughty was a late substitute for the Rs in their 2-0 win at Sunderland on Tuesday night.
The victory ended the London club’s 11-game losing run away from home and lifted them out of the relegation zone.
Doughty came on for Mauricio Isla and was thrilled.
He tweeted: “Struggling to capture that feeling in 140 characters. Fantastic performance, premier league debut and first away win. Absolutely delighted.”
Doughty arrived at the Gills towards the end of October and went onto play 13 games.
His loan spell was cut short, however, as QPR called him back following Peter Taylor’s sacking.
The statement at the time said: “The 22 year-old midfielder was due to stay at the Priestfield Stadium until January 24th, but a recent change in management at the League One club has seen him return earlier than scheduled."
Doughty returned to under-21 football under boss Harry Redknapp. The recent resignation of Redknapp opened the door for Doughty, however, and under caretaker boss Chris Ramsey, he finally got his chance.
Ramsey said: “Michael came on, a player with no Premier League experience, and I had no hesitation in putting him on. He more than held his own.”
Doughty isn’t the first loanee to leave Gills and enjoy success this season.
Defender Kortney Hause played 17 games for the Gills before being recalled by Championship side Wolves.
His form at Priestfield led to appearances in the England under-20 team and a chance for his parent club.
Upon his return to Molineux, Hause made his debut in a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday and has gone onto become a regular in their side, as well as agreeing a new three and a half year deal.
Brighton full-back Adam Chicksen was also recalled from his loan spell at the Gills after impressing and was immediately reinstated into their team.
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Luke Cawdell