Warburton dismisses reports linking clubs with QPR youngster

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Mark Warburton has dismissed reports linking top clubs with QPR youngster Sinclair Armstrong as “absolute nonsense”.

It has again been claimed that Manchester City and Celtic are among those interested in the powerfully-built Irish striker.

Both clubs were also linked with Armstrong, 18, before he signed a new contract last year.


Rangers signed Armstrong from Shamrock Rovers in October 2020 and regard him as a decent prospect, but there were never any major concerns that they might lose him.

His representatives have been keen to tout him for a potential big move, though.

Armstrong recently completed a loan spell at National League club Torquay United in which he made eight appearances and scored two goals.

QPR are now looking to arrange another loan move for him.

“I’d imagine his agent has been extremely busy,” said Rangers manager Warburton.

“He’s 18 and played eight games for Torquay.

“I’m not being derogatory in any way, I just don’t want to put pressure on a young player’s shoulders too early.

“Rumours of Celtic and Man City? I’d imagine certain agents have been extremely busy.

“When you see all these names (of big clubs) you just know agents are busy at work in the January window.

“It’s absolute nonsense. Let’s give the boy a chance now for the next stage of his career.”

Torquay wanted to keep Armstrong, who was on QPR’s substitutes’ bench for their recent FA Cup tie against Rotherham.

Warburton said: “A young player has gone out on loan, which is great.

“He’s played football, which is most important, and the feedback from Torquay was that he presented himself very well and gave good quality to their squad.

“Everyone wins in that type of loan, so all credit to Sinclair and to the academy guys for recognising a good loan.

“He’s come back, had a couple of training sessions with the first team, and we have to look at what’s now best for his development.

“He’s got a long way ahead of him and it’s a very tough industry. So let’s not put unnecessary pressure on his shoulders – even if they are very broad shoulders.”