Mark Warburton says QPR youngster Ilias Chair will have to be patient after losing his place in the team.
The likes of Marc Pugh and Bright Osayi-Samuel have featured in recent matches, with Chair on the bench.
Chair was a substitute again at Barnsley, where he scored a late goal in the 5-3 defeat.
He will now be hoping for a recall and manager Warburton insists Chair is still very much part of his plans.
The R’s boss told West London Sport: “I’m only allowed to play 11 players. I’d love to play 12.
“If I play Ilias you might say ‘why isn’t Bright playing?’ The games are coming thick and fast and it’s about the squad being ready to play as and when they’re called upon.”
Chair has spoken in recent interviews about his ambitions of playing Premier League football.
“He’s 21. They all want to play in the Premier League. But right now you have to work hard and bide your time,” Warburton said.
“Marc Pugh, who has played in the Premier League and in the Championship, has had to be patient.
“Ilias is a very talented boy and is working hard. He’ll have more than enough pitch time.”