QPR man gives honest reason why McClaren isn’t picking him

Matt Smith has admitted the main reason he has been phased out of the QPR side is that he simply isn’t suited to Steve McClaren’s style of play.

The target man played a key role under ex-boss Ian Holloway and scored 11 goals last season.

But with McClaren keen to impose more of a passing game, Smith has been reduced to the role of bit part player this term.

And he told West London Sport: “Certainly the type of player that I am is conducive to ways of playing and largely the team has been quite a counter-attacking team which maybe isn’t suited to my strengths.

“I don’t need anybody to tell me what my strengths and weaknesses are. I’m well aware of what they are.

“So it’s maybe not been set up for me to excel. But at the same time I am where I am and I want to help the team as much as I can.”

Smith, 29, conceded he has found it frustrating to no longer be a first-choice player at Loftus Road.

“It’s been a very frustrating spell personally. I try just to give my all to the side when I get given the opportunity,” he said.