McClaren hails Bright and Shodipo after ‘frustrating’ QPR draw

Steve McClaren insisted there were positives to take from QPR’s goalless draw against Stoke – especially the performances of young wingers Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olamide Shodipo.

Rangers were unable to take advantage of playing most of the match against 10 men after Sam Clucas was sent off after just eight minutes.

The home side’s frustration was compounded when they were themselves reduced to 10 men when Grant Hall was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card late on.

But manager McClaren was encouraged by what he saw from Osayi-Samuel and Shodipo after they came on as substitutes.

Shodipo, back in action after a long spell out injured, made his first appearance since McClaren took over last summer.

“What delighted me today was to see the likes of Bright and Mide – Mide coming back from a long-term injury,” McClaren said.

“He’s been so unlucky and has had a sad face for so many months. But in the last two or three weeks in training he’s been exceptional – him and Bright.

“I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get them on the field and it was a good opportunity today.

“It showcased what they can do. They’re two wingers who are very exciting and provided crosses and danger. There are positives today.”

Rangers, who had lost eight of their previous nine Championship games, have won just once in the league since Boxing Day.

“Obviously we’re frustrated. That’s the overall feeling in the dressing room, the dugout and also among the fans,” said McClaren.

“But I can’t fault the players. We tried as much as possible to win the game and the attitude was there to win it.

“We finished the game with two wingers, two strikers, Luke Freeman in midfield – so we went for it. We just didn’t have that quality.

“For Stoke it was like a training session with the two banks of four with four at the back and in midfield with one up front.

“They were very difficult to break down, are very experienced – they were Premier League players last season.

“It was always going to be difficult. We just needed that break – that bit of quality in the final third of the pitch.

“The clean sheet is important but we’re disappointed we didn’t score. It was a frustrating afternoon for us.”

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