Dunne had groin problem – QPR assistant boss Calm

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Xavi Calm said Jimmy Dunne had a groin problem after the defender missed QPR’s 2-1 defeat at Millwall.

Dunne was absent amid interest from Sheffield United.

West London Sport revealed on Friday that Rangers had rejected an offer from the Blades but that negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.

Dunne’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has so far not signed a new deal.

Rangers are keen for him to stay, but were only able to keep him last summer by taking up an option in his contract to extend it by a year.

Calm said: “Jimmy Dunne had a small problem in the groin two days ago and in the end we have picked the players that we had available for the game.”

Head coach Marti Cifuentes also missed the game at The Den, because of illness, so assistant boss Calm took charge.

In a frenetic start, Aaron Connolly scored after just 30 seconds, Alfie Lloyd levelled for Rangers two minutes later and the Lions then went close to retaking the lead when Ra’ees Bangura-Williams’ strike hit the post.

They did retake the lead through new signing Luke Cundle’s goal on his debut and the visitors were unable to find another equaliser.

Calm felt they deserved at least a point.

“In the second half we pushed all-in, 100%, with set-pieces, crosses – everything,” he said.

“We have done very well but the small margins today were not for us. We have the feeling that we deserved more – at least one point.”