Ainsworth hails QPR’s ‘uncoachable’ attacking players

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Ilias Chair and Chris Willock looked sharp in Saturday’s friendly (Pictures: Ian Randall Photography)

Gareth Ainsworth was encouraged by some of QPR’s attacking play in their pre-season friendly at AFC Wimbledon.

Lyndon Dykes scored for Rangers in a 1-1 draw, with Ilias Chair, Chris Willock and Taylor Richards playing behind the Scotland striker.

There is expected to be interest in Chair and possibly Willock in the final weeks of the transfer window.


And both looked sharp during a first-half spell in which Rangers played some neat football.

Boss Ainsworth said: “In the first half we played some really good stuff.

“The attacking play was out of this world at times. It’s just that finishing touch – can we hit the target more?

“If you were here watching somebody and potentially wanting to sign them then you’re going to put them on your target list because, going forward sometimes, they’re uncoachable they really are.

“You put a structure in to get them the ball and then there’s areas they pop up in and they see passes and moves that I don’t see as a coach – and no coach sees.

“It’s great to see that play and it’s great to see the fluidity they went forward with.

“Having said that, my old-fashioned number nine scored a real poacher’s goal, which was great to see, and I want to get Lyndon more crosses in the box.

Lyndon Dykes opened the scoring for QPR (Picture: Ian Randall Photography)

“There’s room for both styles. And if we can be solid at the back – we conceded way too many goals last season – that’s the important thing.”

Veteran keeper Asmir Begovic made his debut following his move to the club and another of QPR’s summer signings, Ziyad Larkeche, also featured, but Paul Smyth was not involved.

Smyth, who recently returned for a second spell at Rangers, previously sat out a friendly against Slavia Prague.

“He came in and picked up a little knock in the first week he was here, which is why he didn’t play in that first game,” said Ainsworth, whose side are due to play friendlies against Reading and Oxford United in the next week.

“We just want to be super-careful with him. Injuries killed this club last year.

“It’s a loading thing. It’s a three-game week and he can get plenty of minutes without risking him.”