McClaren insists QPR youngsters will get more chances

Paul Smyth scored against Cardiff last season on his QPR debut.

Steve McClaren insists several QPR youngsters can expect more first-team chances despite currently being overlooked.

Rangers plan to loan out a number of young players in January, including Paul Smyth.

Manager McClaren appeared to suggest after the Carabao Cup exit at Blackpool in September that some players had no future at the club.

“We’ve looked at some of the players – those we can take forward, and those we can’t,” McClaren said after the defeat, adding that the performance was unacceptable.

The likes of Smyth, Osman Kakay, Ilias Chair and Niko Hamalainen, who have all been lined up for loan moves, featured in the loss at Bloomfield Road.

But McClaren says he does still believe they have long-term futures at the club.

“I think it’s important to clarify that I meant it was not good enough on that night,” he said.

“They are talented young players and we see them progressing and eventually being part of the first team.

“There will be other chances for them. They’re very much part of this club’s future but they’ve got to learn their trade.”