QPR to decide futures of several players after Leeds game
QPR will make decisions on the short-term futures of various fringe players after Sunday’s FA Cup game against Leeds.
Sean Goss and Paul Smyth are among several players who were earmarked in November for loans moves during this month’s transfer window, as were Osman Kakay, Ilias Chair, left-back Niko Hamalainen and central defender Giles Phillips.
Peterborough are among clubs interested in Smyth, who impressed after breaking into QPR’s first team last season but has not featured under Steve McClaren in the league since the manager hauled him off at half-time against Sheffield United in August.
Goss, who ended last season on loan at Glasgow Rangers, has not made a league appearance for QPR since April 2017 and has started just three league games since being signed from Manchester United the previous year.
Boss McClaren believes Goss, who turned down various potential loans deals before accepting the move to Glasgow, has not progressed because he has played too much Under-21 and Under-23 football at the expense of first-team experience.
The midfielder, 23, will therefore be encouraged to move elsewhere for the rest of the season before his future is assessed in the summer, when he will have one year remaining on his contract.
QPR injury concerns
Angel Rangel has been sidelined by injury since right-back Kakay was lined up for a January loan move.
And midfielder Chair has also moved up the pecking order, in his case because of Geoff Cameron’s injury and Massimo Luongo’s involvement for Australia in the Asian Cup.
Aramide Oteh is in a similar situation. Prolific for QPR’s development side this season, the forward has been considered for a potential loan move but Tomer Hemed’s injury means McClaren’s attacking options are limited.
With injuries to contend with, McClaren decided last month to assess his options after the Leeds match before any final decisions are made.
A number of youngsters will feature in the game, giving them a chance to show they should be retained by QPR this season rather than loaned out, while a win would set up another potential opportunity for them to feature again, in the next round.
It would also be the first time Rangers reached round four without the need of a replay for 22 years.
One fringe player whose future has already been resolved is Idrissa Sylla. The striker is rejoining his former club Zulte Waregem.
