Why Mackie's hunger and drive are a lesson to the Prem's pampered stars

By Steve Stammers

Published 10:42 23/11/11

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Jamie Mackie will never win Footballer of the Year. It is doubtful if he will win the Queens Park Rangers Player of the Year. Maybe he will win the Player of the Month at some stage this season.

But awards probably mean little to the 26-year-old attacking midfield player. His prize is playing in the Premier League and his progress is proof that when commitment and attitude are allied to ability, anything is possible.

Mackie reached the top level the hard way. The old-fashioned way, if you like. Not for him the cosseted life of the modern young professional. No 4-by-4 dropping him off for academy training. No voracious agent waiting to sign him up for that first big contract.

He started at Wimbledon, re-located to MK Dons and then on to Exeter - a move that included a loan spell at Sutton. Next stop Plymouth and then a transfer to Loftus Road and a Rangers team fighting for promotion from the Championship. That was secured - but without the services of Mackie from January onwards because of a broken leg suffered in an FA Cup match at Blackburn. An injury, incidentally, which brought him into contact with the delightful El Hadj Diouf, who was reported to have made uncomplimentary comments as Mackie laid on the ground in obvious agony.

But setbacks have been part an parcel of Mackie's career. He fought his way back and has been impressive when given his chance in the Premier League. And international football has come his way with Scotland, courtesy of a grandfather born in Kilmarnock.

Success is as much about hunger and drive and is it about pure skill - and Mackie is tangible proof of that. His appetite for football is insatiable. When Jay Bothroyd declared himself doubtful for last Saturday's match at Stoke, Mackie turned to manager Neil Warnock and said: "You want me, gaffer then I am ready."

"You can't go wrong with people with that attitude," said Warnock. From Sutton to the Premier League to the international stage, Mackie has shown what is possible. His rise has made a refreshing change from the pampered stars who have had it relatively easy compared to his arrival in the top flight.

Mackie has not forgotten how tough it was to achieve his present status - and there is still something of a fan in him.

After the Scotland match against Spain at Hampden 13 months ago, he managed to get the shirt of Xabi Alonso. It is his pride and joy and he has had it framed. And further inspiration... as if he needed any.

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