McClaren expected to make changes for Carabao Cup clash

Posted Monday, August 27, 2018 by PA

QPR boss Steve McClaren plans to utilise his squad for the Carabao Cup tie with Bristol Rovers at Loftus Road.

McClaren was a relieved man after Tomer Hemed gave Rangers a first Sky Bet Championship win of the season against Wigan on Satuday.

But McClaren is aware that Hemed and fellow loan striker Nakhi Wells must be eased in after minimal time on the training pitch, and Conor Washington and Pawal Wszolek could be among those to return for the second-round tie.

The injured Darnell Furlong is set to miss out again and Paul Smyth faces a fitness test after not being available for the last few weeks.

Rovers are set to be without captain Tom Lockyer and Liam Sercombe.

Centre-half Lockyer pulled out of Saturday’s league game against Southend just before kick-off with an ankle injury, while midfielder Sercombe suffered a hamstring strain in the early stages of that 1-0 defeat.

Sam Matthews is fit after missing the last two games with a knock, but fellow midfielder Chris Lines serves the second game of a three-match suspension.

Daniel Leadbitter will be assessed with boss Darrell Clarke managing his workload following a serious hamstring injury.