Luke Amos has had a sometimes frustrating time on loan from Tottenham at QPR, but Mark Warburton has continued to back the youngster.
Amos recovered from a long-term knee injury prior to joining Warburton’s side on a season-long loan and he has had an up-and-down campaign in west London while rediscovering his fitness.
Geoff Cameron being suspended meant Amos started Saturday’s game at home to Barnsley.
But there was more frustration for the midfielder when he was substituted at half-time at Loftus Road, where the home side lost 1-0 on their return to action.
But Rangers manager Warburton insisted the change was “purely tactical” and clearly rates Amos, whose loan spell has since been extended so he can complete the season with the Championship club.
Warburton sent winger Olamide Shodipo on in Amos’ place, with former Spurs youngster Dom Ball in midfield and Ebere Eze and Ilias Chair playing behind striker Jordan Hugill for the second half.
“We wanted to get more pace up top,” Warburton told West London Sport.
“Mide has trained very well and we wanted that pace.
“It was purely tactical, with Dom sitting in there with Ebere and Ilias behind Jordan.
“I think you saw we moved the ball quicker in the second half and we looked much better.”