QPR injury crisis: Who are the youngsters Holloway could call upon?
QPR’s defensive injury problems show no sign of letting up, with Joel Lynch having rejoined the casualty list.
Lynch was replaced at half-time during Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Derby. And with Darnell Furlong struggling with a knee problem and Nedum Onuoha, Grant Hall, James Perch and Steven Caulker currently unavailable, Rangers’ options look limited ahead of Monday’s game against Brentford.
Manager Ian Holloway has therefore suggested that he might have to turn to his youngsters. But who are the players who could be drafted in?
Osman Kakay
Age: 20
QPR appearances: 3
Championship starts: 0
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Right-back Kakay has lost some momentum in last year or so, having previously made excellent progress. He played for Rangers in the EFL Cup last season, made his Championship debut as a late substitite at Brighton, and has played first-team football on loan at Chesterfield and in Scotland with Livingston.
Niko Hamalainen
Age: 20
QPR appearances: 4
Championship starts: 1
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Initially recommended by former QPR defender David Bardsley, the Florida-born Finland Under-21 international has now been at Loftus Road for more than three years. He can operate as a left-sided defender or further forward. Like Kakay, his progress has stalled since breaking into the first team last season – he has not featured since starting against Sheffield Wednesday more than a year ago.
Chris Paul
Age: 20
QPR appearances: 0
Signed last summer after being released by Tottenham, centre-back Paul has been included in Rangers’ first-team squad on a number of occasions but has yet to make his senior debut.
Giles Phillips
Age: 19
QPR appearances: 0
Another American, centre-back Phillips was signed on a one-year contract during the summer and impressed in pre-season. Confident and physically strong, he looks a decent prospect – and is the youngster Holloway is currently most inclined to promote to the first team.
