QPR sweat talisman's AFCON absence as Charlton Athletic summer transfer hailed as 'revelation' - round-up

QPR striker Richard Kone has received his first international call-up to represent the Ivory Coast after an impressive start to life in the Championship.

It’s been quite the rise up the leagues for the 22-year-old, who is playing his first campaign of second tier football at Loftus Road this term. Kone was named the League One Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season last year.

Kone could make his international debut for the Ivory Coast against Saudi Arabia or Oman later this month as the country prepares to defend their title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

QPR striker could get AFCON call-up

In a statement, the club said: “The call-up continues the 22-year-old’s incredible rise, who was representing his country at the Homeless World Cup only six years ago. Congratulations and good luck, Rich!”

It’s a huge achievement for the talisman but is one that has some QPR supporters already worried about the player’s potential absence during the Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament starts on December 21 and runs until January 18.

It remains to be seen whether Kone impresses enough to keep his place in the squad but, should he do so, could be absent for several key Championship matches. QPR are scheduled to play Portsmouth, West Brom, Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City over that period.

Charlton Athletic summer signing hailed as ‘revelation’

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has hailed the impact of summer signing Sonny Carey following the midfielder’s late winner against West Brom at The Valley on Tuesday night.

The playmaker has already netted five times in the Championship this season and has become one of the first names on the teamsheet, having made the step up from playing League One football with Blackpool last season.

Speaking after the win, Jones told PA: “We were excellent tonight, apart from the odd counter attack against us. We should score the penalty and be 1-0 up. Then their keeper made a world-class save from Sonny Carey. You will not see a better save than that for a long, long time.

“I said to Sonny at the end of the game to go and enjoy it. You don’t often get 17,000 or 20,000, however many were here, singing your name. Every pass and touch he has is forward. Whatever run he makes is forward. Every shot zings or tests something. He has been an absolute revelation and it’s why we’ve brought him to the football club.

“It was thoroughly deserved. The subs gave us a massive impetus late on. It would have been a travesty if we didn’t win it or they had nicked something. We’re in a good place. The players are giving me everything. It was a wonderful night.”

In other news, 'Not Good Enough': Ex Tottenham star faces sack in first managerial job after Charlton Athletic defeat.