QPR boss Steve McClaren is expected to make changes for Saturday’s FA Cup game against Portsmouth. It will mean another chance for some of his fringe players – potentially their last one.
Matt Ingram
The goalkeeper has had a miserable time since Alex Smithies’ summer move handed him the chance to establish himself as Rangers’ number one. His shaky displays saw him lose his place to Joe Lumley and he has looked thoroughly unconvincing when called upon in cup games. A mistake by Ingram led to a Leeds goal in round three and a poor performance in the fourth-round clash at Fratton Park will surely put his Loftus Road future in serious doubt.
Ryan Manning
Recalled from a season-long loan at Rotherham, Manning is in line for a chance to show McClaren what he can do. McClaren has plenty of other midfield options and the impending return of Geoff Cameron from injury and Massimo Luongo from the Asian Cup means Manning needs to prove a point.
Matt Smith
The target man has told West London Sport he has become frustrated by his lack of game time but understands he is not suited to McClaren’s style of play. A start against Pompey would be a rare chance to change the manager’s mind. If he fails to, it’s hard to see how Smith has a future with the R’s.