MICKY Hubbard has tipped former Poole Town team-mate Charlie Austin to light up the Premier League next season.

Striker Austin was part of the Queens Park Rangers side that defeated Derby County 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday thanks to Bobby Zamora's late winner.

Austin, who netted 64 goals in 57 appearances for Dolphins in the Wessex League Premier Division, nearly moved to Cherries before eventually departing for Swindon Town in September 2009.

He then played under Eddie Howe at Burnley before being snapped up by QPR boss Redknapp in August last year.

The Berkshire-born hitman scored 20 goals in 37 appearances in 2013-14 and established himself as a crucial member of the Rs squad, culminating in play-off success.

His former team-mate Hubbard, who watched his friend play at Wembley, insisted Austin's remarkable tale was far from finished.

The midfielder told the Daily Echo: “It's unbelievable to think that he'll be playing against most of my heroes next season.

“When you're playing in the Wessex I think most people think their dream of turning pro has gone but when he got his chance he never looked back.

“I think he will score goals in the Premier League. Charlie is one of those players who in the right team and with the right chances, knows where the net is.

“There's no reason why he can't do well.”

Hubbard, credited by Austin as a soothing influence at Tatnam, is confident that the former Burnley man will be ambitious to progress his career even further, despite having reached the top flight.

“QPR are a good side and Charlie's got enough people round him with good experience to help him push on again,” said Hubbard.

“He's one of those lads that has a drive that others haven't when they get to a certain stage. He seems to have that desire to carry on again and I can't see him stopping.

“He wants to be the main man. He goes out and scores goals and makes the headlines.

“His next goal now is probably playing for England, although it seems mad saying that, but he's at that level where that has to be his next goal.”