Ebere Eze hailed Wycombe Wanderers' boss Gareth Ainsworth for helping kick-starting his career after settling in to life in England's second-tier.
In a whirlwind season which began at Adams Park in League Two, 19-year-old Eze has become a regular in Ian Holloway's Queens Park Rangers side.
But the humble attacking midfielder, who scored five goals in 22 games while on loan with the Chairboys, said he will always be grateful for Ainsworth's support.
"Playing in League 2 was important, it helped me to learn men's football and come back to QPR and show what I can do," said Eze.
"I learned a lot from Gareth (Ainsworth). It was the best decision, for me to go out on loan and get experience and implement myself as an attacking player."
Eze was introduced from the bench in Rangers' 1-0 defeat against Reading FC on Friday night.
He could have levelled the scoreline with an ambitious left-footed strike which sailed marginally wide of Vito Mannone's post.
"The speed of the game in the Championship is a bit quicker," confessed Eze.
"I play in a similar position but the intensity is different.
"I'm still following Wycombe. I'm hoping and praying that they get promoted.
"They're going well."
Addressing the Chairboys' supporters, he beamed: "Just keep going, keep doing your stuff and promotion is there."
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