QPR want two midfielders after injury to Carroll

QPR are now looking to sign two midfielders after losing Tom Carroll to a potentially season-ending injury.

Rangers were already looking to sign a central midfielder in the transfer window after losing summer signing Luke Amos earlier in the season to a cruciate ligament injury.

Enquiries have been made about several players, including Fulham’s Stefan Johanson.

Rangers manager Mark Warburton was forced to play Chris Willock in the middle of the pitch against Cardiff on Wednesday because of the absence of Carroll, who faces three months on the sidelines. 

Willock went on to score the winner – his first goal for the club since joining from Benfica in September – at the Cardiff City Stadium.

But Warburton said he is hopeful of having some additions to his squad by next week.

“They have to be the right players. We talk about there being so many players around, but trust me there is not,” said Warburton.

“They have to be good quality and add some value to what we already possess.

“Losing Tom and Luke Amos, we lost two really talented midfield players. But the nature of the games programme, we keep seeing teams losing players in this manner. But we’ve got to try and deal with it.

“We look to see what is available and are working hard on two or three fronts. January is never easy and the games are coming thick and fast, so we hope to have some coming in.”

Warburton paid tribute to Willock for his performance and well-taken strike that sealed a third away win of the season.

And he said the injury to Carroll could potentially see plans to send youngster Faysal Bettache out on loan shelved unless midfielders come in.

“Playing out on loan is so crucial to young player’s development and it’s important we get that decision right,” Warburton said.

“There in no point having five minutes here and there, they need to be playing.

“He (Bettache) is training well, ready to play and I am not afraid to use him, but we need to make the right decision.

“Chris has had to patient and get his match fitness. He was asked to play an unfamiliar role and did very well.

“He comes alive in that final third and I am pleased with how he played.”