Steve McClaren has suggested that QPR fringe players such as Paul Smyth will get another chance under him.
The Rangers manager has told West London Sport that he believes a number of youngsters can make it in the club’s first team despite currently being overlooked.
McClaren appeared to suggest after this season’s Carabao Cup defeat at Blackpool that some players had no future at Loftus Road.
“We’ve looked at some of the players – those we can take forward, and those we can’t,” McClaren said after that game, adding that the performance was not good enough.
But he has now moved to clarify those comments, insisting that he believes the young players can still make an impact.
That seems like good news for Smyth, who impressed after joining QPR from Linfield but has barely featured since McClaren took over in the summer.
Smyth was substituted at half-time against Sheffield United in August and has not made a league appearance since then.
The likes of Ilias Chair, Niko Hamalainen and Osman Kakay have also found it hard to get a look in.
But McClaren said: “I think it’s important to clarify that I meant it was not good enough on that night.
“They are talented young players and we see them progressing and eventually being part of the first team.
“There will be other chances for them. They’re very much part of this club’s future but they’ve got to learn their trade.”