Holloway: Sylla was reluctant to play

QPR manager Ian Holloway has revealed that he had to persuade striker Idrissa Sylla to join the squad for Saturday’s game against Nottingham Forest.

Holloway told West London Sport that Sylla complained of an injury ahead of the game at Loftus Road, where Rangers’ 2-0 win ensured their Championship survival.

Holloway has been critical of Sylla this season, questioning his work-rate and reacting angrily to the player showing his disappointment at being substituted at Reading.

And he says he insisted Sylla at least take a place on the bench for the vital game at the weekend, when he was an unused substitute.

Holloway said: “Sylla said he wasn’t fit. I had to say ‘Come on, you’re only 80% but come on get on the bench’.

“It’s a realisation that we have to do something. This group is too fragile because of the changes made. There’s no stability.”

Meanwhile, QPR have confirmed the appointment of Gary Penrice, who has been given the title of recruitment consultant.

Penrice, a close friend of Holloway, played alongside him for the R’s and was assistant boss during Holloway’s first spell as manager of the club.

He had been scouting for West Brom and has also worked for Everton and Wigan.