This article is part of Football FanCast's Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.

Since joining Kilmarnock on a season-long loan deal back in the summer, Niko Hämäläinen has thrived.

The QPR left-back - who can also play in the centre of defence as per his Transfermarkt page - has impressed over in Scotland after seven appearances for Killie.

Hämäläinen, 22, has played every minute in his seven appearances for the Scottish side this term, including all 120 minutes of their Scottish Cup win over Hibernian.

Specifically, the 1-cap Finland international has played his part in what has been a solid backline.

Kilmarnock have kept five clean sheets in the six Scottish Premiership games in which Hämäläinen has started, and he has also proven that he can be of importance at the other end of the pitch.

Hämäläinen grabbed the assist for the only goal of the game in Killie's 1-0 win over Hearts on October 5th, showcasing his end product with a pinpoint cross onto the head of Chris Burke.

Following his performance in the 2-0 league win over Hibernian on September 14th, Hämäläinen was named in the SPFL Team of the Week for his fine contributions.

If Mark Warburton has been keeping an eye on Hämäläinen's progress - which we hope he has - then one thing must spring to the former Brentford manager's mind.

Hämäläinen can deputise for Ryan Manning upon his return to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Manning, who has been in excellent form for the R's this term - has played both as a left-back and as a left wing-back for QPR this term, and to some effect.

The 23-year-old has grabbed three assists so far in the Championship this season, just one set-up off the summit of the assist rankings - four assists is the highest in the league so far.

While it would be far-fetched to say that Manning's place could be under threat by Hämäläinen's form, there is no reason to suggest that the 22-year-old's impact on loan at Kilmarnock wouldn't see him handed a place as the Irishman's deputy upon his return - if he keeps his good form up, that is.

Behind Manning, there aren't too many backup options, a point reinforced by the fact that the left-back has played every minute of the R's Championship campaign so far, as well as the full 90 in both of their Carabao Cup matches.

If Hämäläinen keeps his form up, he could be the perfect deputy for Manning.