London Football News

QPR boss explains why Shodipo has been overlooked

QPR manager Ian Holloway says Olamide Shodipo is not in his short-term first-team plans because the young winger needs to work on the defensive side of his game.

Holloway is keen for Shodipo, 19, to go out on loan in order to get more experience.

“He’s brilliant at going forward – absolutely fantastic – but he could probably do with a loan spell,” Holloway told West London Sport.

“He is someone I would loan out. I think he would benefit from a little spell like Furlong and Doughty have had.

“It’s about having more than just running at someone and beating them. He’s got other elements of his game he’s got to learn – and I know he will.

“It’s a big step from Under-23 to first team. When you’re as talented as he is with the ball, and that’s all you’ve been encouraged to do in the youth team and that’s why

you’ve stood out, sometimes the team things that you need to do, which might not be your forte, you’ve got to pick them up really quickly.

“But I love him around the group and I’d love to play him a bit more. He’s like a puppy with a treat. He can’t wait for a treat. I blow the whistle and he’s there. It’s brilliant.

“He’s definitely one that will play for us and will get the fans completely and utterly loving him.”

With Darnell Furlong having returned from a loan spell at Swindon, Holloway is now also looking to get teenage right-back Osman Kakay out on loan.

“I feel he needs a challenge with Darnell coming back,” Holloway said.

“I think Darnell’s a little bit ahead of him at the moment and they’re a similar sort of age.

“I really like him and if I can get him out on loan then I will.”




Skip to toolbar