On-loan QPR striker pleased with progress since his arrival at the Lamex

Patrick Agyemang says he feels appreciated at Stevenage after he was afforded a standing ovation from the Boro faithful for his performance against Brentford.

The striker, on-loan from Queens Park Rangers until the end of the season when his contract with the Premier League club runs out, has been a slow burner at Stevenage since his arrival.

He joined the club needing to regain match sharpness having not played back-to-back first team games for the best part of two years and it has taken the Ghanaian international some weeks to work his way back to full fitness.

After some ineffectual performances after he first arrived, Agyemang is now putting in the sort of displays manager Gary Smith had hoped for and after scoring against Yeovil earlier this month the front man was applauded off the pitch on Saturday after impressing once again, this time against Brentford.

“It is always good to get a standing ovation,” Agyemang said after Saturday’s win. “It means that you’re appreciated and I’ve not had that for a while. [We are] back in the play-off places now and hopefully if we can carry on this form we’ll stay in there.

“I thought we could achieve the play-offs [when I arrived] but when I first got here it was hard because they were still in transition from the previous manager.

“Whereas they were playing long ball [Gary Smith] wanted to get the ball down and start playing, so it was hard for me to be involved. My fitness wasn’t up to scratch, but now I’m feeling a lot better, I’m feeling a lot more confident and sharper.

“I think I was way off it (full fitness). I’ve not played 90 minutes all season and I’ve not started consecutive games for two years so I was behind. I’ve got a good team behind me, and the manager gave me time and I’m happy now.”

Stevenage are currently on a three-match winning streak and this weekend travel to Sheffield United before their last game, at home to Bury, next weekend.

Four points from those two games will see Stevenage clinch a play-off place, and Agyemang says his side are hitting form at the right time.

“It’s come at the right time, three wins in a row now and the team is growing in confidence... We’ve got a tough [match this weekend]. They will want to win... and we’ll need to win to cement our place in the play-offs.”