Smithies backed after Ingram’s impressive QPR debut

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was pleased with Matt Ingram’s performance on his debut but the QPR boss insists Alex Smithies is very much the club’s number one goalkeeper.

Ingram, signed from Wycombe during the January transfer window, was given a chance to impress at Cardiff and did not disappoint.

The 22-year-old made a couple of outstanding saves in the 0-0 draw but manager Hasselbaink has been quick to back Smithies, who has been in excellent form.

“I think very highly of Matt. He’s somebody that we believe in. But we also believe in Alex Smithies,” Hasselbaink said.

“Alex is number one and that’s how it is. We wanted to give Matt the experience of the Championship and of course that is with an eye on next year.

“But if you think I’m going to change (keepers), that’s not in my mind. In my mind at the moment, Alex Smithies is number one, but I need somebody to push him.

“Alex has been absolutely magnificent for us but in a competitive team you know you are going to need two good goalkeepers – and I have got that.”

Smithies is expected to return to the Rangers starting line-up for Tuesday’s game at Brighton.