The Ramsey recap: QPR boss on Green, Austin, Fer and more ahead of Cardiff game

QPR head coach Chris Ramsey was asked about a number of issues at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s game against Cardiff City. Here’s a round-up of some of the things he had to say.

Team news
“Charlie [Austin] had a slight tweak in the game against Charlton so we took him off. He’s available for tomorrow. We’re probably going to be missing Jamie [Mackie]. He’s got a slight groin strain. Hopefully it won’t keep him out for too long.”

On Austin
“If a club wants him and come in and make firm offers, and if the owners think it’s the right offer, then he’ll go. All we’re looking for is a firm offer to get this thing sorted one way or another.

“We haven’t had any firm offers for Charlie and as far as we’re concerned he’s a QPR player and will want to do his best to get his goalscoring tally up to where it was last year.”

On talks to sign Tim Ream from Bolton
“We’re still in negotiations on that. He’s a target that we have been looking at.”

On Rob Green
“Rob could literally play for any team in the country – you’re talking about Chelsea down to any Premiership team.

“I think he’s a top goalkeeper and his attitude has been fantastic around the place. His professionalism is one for younger players to behold.

“I think that if you look at any of the top teams – Man Citys, Arsenals, Liverpools – he could play for any of those teams. So we’re happy that he’s here. We don’t foresee him leaving.”

On Sandro
“Sandro is imminently returning to the country, based on some paperwork that needs to be clarified. He’s in the process of that and we’re expecting to see him shortly.

“We’re in constant contact with Sandro. We’ve sent some messages and he sent me a voice message saying that he’s been training and is looking forward to coming back.”

On Leroy Fer
“I think he’s got the bit between his teeth to prove a lot of people wrong about his injury and prove people wrong about his form, because he wants to be involved with the national team as well at the end of the season.

“I think he knows that the QPR fans are behind him and he owes them for their support. I’m very excited about the way he’s conducted himself around the place.

“He’s given us his word that he’s fully committed to the club and that he wants to see us climbing up the table.

“He’s a big miss for us because he’s a very good player and his attitude has been fantastic.

“Obviously he’s a talented player, but he’s now got a chance to show his resilience and whether he can help other players.

“There’s quite a few young players in the squad and he’s more experienced and needs to really show some leadership.”

On being linked with Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle
“We haven’t made an offer for him. I don’t know if it’s a realistic target as regards the money that was quoted – £6m. I don’t think we’re in that field.

“Obviously any club in the Championship would like to have a player of that ability, but we haven’t put that on the list at the moment.”

On talks with Southend to sign keeper Daniel Bentley
“I think we’re still negotiating that one. He’s a fine keeper that everyone’s talking about and I think that’s still in the negotiation stage.”

On Joey Barton
“Joey has had a lot of press about him based on when he was a young boy. People change. They change into adulthood and become family people.

“Joey has matured and I think some of the things that are said about him are unfair and taken out of context. As far as the dealings I had with him when he was at QPR, he was respectful and trained well and always gave 100% on the field.”

And finally, on whether West Brom have been back in for Matt Phillips
“Not that I’m aware of and frankly I’m quite happy about that.”

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook