Ex-Blackpool star taking inspiration from Trevor Sinclair as he enjoys breakout season at QPR

Osayi-Samuel, like Sinclair, made the move from Bloomfield Road to QPR, joining the Loftus Road outfit in September 2017 for an undisclosed fee.

He’s enjoyed his breakthrough season this term, the tricky winger scoring six goals in 32 games for the Championship side.

The connection between Osayi-Samuel and Sinclair is obvious, and the 22-year-old admits it’s something he’s only too aware of himself.

“When I was at Blackpool, they used to show videos of him (Sinclair) – I remember that he was very direct and skilful,” Osayi-Samuel said.

“They used to say that if you have a career like his, you’ll go far.

“He’s certainly someone to look up to. There have been times when he’s messaged me, wishing me luck and stuff like that, which is nice.”

London-born Osayi-Samuel was brought to Blackpool in 2014 by former coach Richie Kyle, who now works for the FA.

He made his debut in March 2015 in a 1-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, going on to make 99 appearances for the Seasiders.

For QPR, the Nigerian has made more league starts - 26 in total - than the previous two seasons combined.

“Before, I would play well without scoring or assisting. I never really had a run of games and it was stop-start,” he admitted.

“I would play a few games and then drop out.

“But this season, I’ve been able to play consistently – which has also helped me to believe that I’m doing the right things. It’s given me the chance to prove what I can do.

“I would say that the gaffer (Mark Warburton) has been the biggest influence on me. He’s really helped me – even when I haven’t played games.

“After training, we would spend 10-20 minutes looking at things that I needed to improve on, like my crossing and picking out players in the box.

“Those little things really help.”

He added: “Every season, I feel like I have improved and I feel like I’m a lot more confident now – not just on the pitch.

“I talk a lot more, which I didn’t really do for the previous two years, so I feel like I’m improving as a person just as much as I am a player.”

Like Sinclair, Osayi-Samuel is now hoping to make that step-up to the top stage - the Premier League.

Sinclair, who was capped by England 12 times, played for the likes of QPR, West Ham and Manchester City in the top flight.

“I’ve always said that we’re a footballing team who are capable of anything on our day,” Osayi-Samuel said.

“I firmly believe that, with the team we’ve got, the players we’ve got, we’re capable of getting there (the top six).

“I’m enjoying playing football here and, as a Londoner, it would be the biggest dream come true for me to take QPR to the Premier League.”