Mark Warburton has insisted he remains hopeful Bright Osayi-Samuel will sign a new deal at QPR.
The winger, whose current contract expires next summer, was left out of the squad for Tuesday’s defeat at Barnsley because of the uncertainty over his future.
Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers have both been linked with Osayi-Samuel, who has impressed in the Championship.
“The contractual talks have been ongoing for a while now,” said QPR manager Warburton told the club’s website.
“He’s a great lad, But his head has got to be in the right place for a game of football.
“I just felt tonight wasn’t right for him and for the team as well.
“It does him good to think about things. I just want Brighty to have a clear head and make the right decision.”
Ryan Manning recently left QPR, having also been omitted after rejecting offers of a new contract.
Asked if there was still hope that things would turn out differently with Osayi-Samuel, Warburton said: “As far as I’m aware, absolutely, there’s hope with Brighty.
“He’s in a very good place at the club, he’s developing at the club and I hope very much he can see that’s the case.”