Chair ‘will have more than enough pitch time’

Mark Warburton says Ilias Chair will still have a big role to play for QPR this season.

The young midfielder recently lost his place in the side, with the likes of Marc Pugh and Bright Osayi-Samuel being handed starting places.

But manager Warburton insists Chair is still very much part of his plans.

He said: “I’m only allowed to play 11 players. I’d love to play 12.

“If I play Ilias you might say ‘why isn’t Bright playing?’ The games are coming thick and fast and it’s about the squad being ready to play as and when they’re called upon.”

Chair’s omission came, coincidentally, shortly after he spoke in a number of interviews about his ambitions of playing Premier League football.

“He’s 21. They all want to play in the Premier League. But right now you have to work hard and bide your time,” Warburton said.

“Marc Pugh, who has played in the Premier League and in the Championship, has had to be patient.

“Ilias is a very talented boy and is working hard. He’ll have more than enough pitch time.”

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