QPR trio close to return to action
Steven Caulker, Jordan Cousins and Jack Robinson are close to being available to return to the QPR squad.
Cousins has returned to training after a thigh problem, while Robinson appears to be finally close to being passed fit following a hamstring injury he suffered in December.
And R’s boss Ian Holloway, who admits he already faces a selection “headache” after his much-changed side beat Barnsley on Tuesday, believes defender Caulker will also soon be back in contention.
Holloway said: “I’ve got a few close to coming back from injury; Caulker, Robinson and Cousins. Wow. There are some choices I might have then.
“I’ve got to be strong enough to make my mind up, say ‘you ain’t playing’ and hopefully have the discipline in the group to understand that, because we hope QPR are going to be a big team again, they’ll have to accept sitting there (the bench) and doing what I tell them.”
‘Delighted with the changes’
Holloway made five changes for the win against Barnsley, including replacing in-form strikers Conor Washington and Matt Smith with Idrissa Sylla and Yeni Ngbakoto.
His decision was vindicated as both players played a key role in the victory at Loftus Road, where Sylla scored the opening goal – his eighth of the season.
Sylla has responded since being ordered to improve his work-rate by Holloway.
And Ngbakoto, whose father died soon after the French winger’s summer move from Metz, has looked noticeably sharper since recently being told to lose weight.
“They’ve had to adapt to living in this country,” Holloway said.
“One of them lost his father and the other came from Anderlecht, where it’s totally different.
“One of them was slightly overweight and the other didn’t quite run as hard as everyone else.
“Sylla’s closing down was as good as anyone’s and that’s what I’ve asked him to do.
“I’m delighted with the changes and I’m delighted with everybody, and on the training ground the attitude is exactly what I demand.”
