Ryan Manning is having himself quite the season at QPR. Having being from midfield shifted to left back over the past 12 months or so, he has gone from strength to strength at the London club.
The 23-year old has made 31 appearances in the league this season, grabbing his first goal this afternoon. Unsurprisingly, it was an absolute belter.
QPR would secure a 3-1 win at play-off hopefuls Preston, a win which moved them up to 12th place. It also kept their slim promotion hopes alive, with the club sitting six points sixth pace.
Manning's goal was the vital one, giving the side a 2-1 lead in the 78th minute. He picked up the ball up at the edge of the box before unleashing a remarkable left-footed shot that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar. Declan Rudd had no chance.
Manning has yet to be capped for Ireland at senior level, but has caught the eye of Mick McCarthy this season. Enda Stevens has the left back position nailed down in the team, but the back-up spot is very much up for grabs.
The Galway native has an outside chance of making the squad for the game against Slovakia, but it is likely he will have to wait a few more months before he is finally given an opportunity. Goals such as this certainly don't hurt his chances.
