Hasselbaink urges fans to keep backing QPR youngsters

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has appealed to QPR fans to continue backing the club’s youngsters.

Osman Kakay, 18, made his senior debut for the R’s in their EFL Cup win against Rochdale on Tuesday at Loftus Road, where there was another outing for winger Olamide Shodipo.

With many Rangers supporters keen for the club to finally produce home-grown players who are first-team regulars, manager Hasselbaink is optimistic that serious progress has been made.

But the Dutchman said: “They need the encouragement of the fans.

“You’re asking for home-grown talent, now you have a couple you need to embrace them and give them love.

“We need to calm down and give them time.”

Kakay, usually a right-back, was lively on the right of midfield, while Shodipo did well on the opposite flank.

Shodipo had been earmarked for a 70-minute run-out but a first-half injury to Nasser El Khayati meant the 19-year-old played the whole match.

“The two young boys, who are coming through the youth system and holding their own, did ever so well,” Hasselbaink said.

“Mide did very well and Kakay too – you could see at the end he was very tired and his legs were hanging off.”