QPR boss defends Clarke and decision to leave out Osayi-Samuel

Mark Warburton defended Jack Clarke after the youngster’s disappointing performance on his full debut for QPR.

Clarke, recently signed on loan from Tottenham, was off the pace before being substituted during the second half of the FA Cup defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.

But Rangers manager Warburton has no doubt the 19-year-old is capable of making an impact in west London and that his lack of game time this season was a factor in his below-par display.

He was recalled from Leeds, having been loaned back to the Yorkshire club after being bought by Tottenham.

“That’s why Spurs brought him back,” said Warburton, referring to the fact that Clarke had only made one league appearance this season prior to joining the R’s.

QPR manager Mark Warburton
Warburton has developed a strong relationship with Tottenham

“He’s a £15m player. But he’s a boy, so he’s got to adapt to the level. There’s no doubt he will.

“You saw him play for Leeds and he’s a very talented player. There’s no doubt about his quality.”

Bright Osayi-Samuel made an impact after coming on for Clarke but Warburton stood by his decision not to start with the in-form winger.

“I keep repeating myself: they can’t keep playing week in, week out,” he said.

“All that would happen is that he’d pull a hamstring or pull a groin and we lose him for six weeks.

“You’ve got to look after the players. It’s about having a squad. Marc Pugh came in and did very well.

“When you can, you’ve got to rotate your squad. Pick the same 10 players and they’ll just break down, that’s all that will happen.”