I NEVER GAVE UP HOOP

Kone's epic rise from homeless World Cup to his Championship debut with Rangers

- BY JASON MELLOR

RICHARD KONE admits he is living the dream on a rollercoaster journey that has taken him from living on the streets to being one step away from the Premier League.

Kone, 22, is in line to make his QPR debut in the derby-day trip to Watford after Rangers beat off strong competition to land the £3.5million striker from Wycombe.

It is the latest massive stride in a remarkable rise for Kone, who just six years ago was playing for his native Ivory Coast in the homeless World Cup in Wales.

After starting a new life in London, striker Kone has worked his way up from non-League football to take his chance in the Championship at Loftus Road after scoring 21 goals last season to be named League One Player of the Season.