Emmanuel-Thomas told he will keep his place

Chris Ramsey has told Jay Emmanuel-Thomas he will keep his place in the QPR side when Charlie Austin returns.

Top scorer Austin could rejoin the squad for Friday’s derby at Brentford and will certainly be in contention for next week’s match against Derby.

Emmanuel-Thomas has scored three goals since being deployed as a lone striker while Austin and Jamie Mackie have been out with hamstring injuries.

And head coach Ramsey believes there is room in his team for both players once Austin is passed fit.

Ramsey said: “I think we can accommodate both if we decide that he [Austin] will play. Jay will play. Whatever happens, he’s playing.

“Jay’s done brilliantly. He’s fought his way into the team and it [his place] is for him to lose now.”

Austin’s potential return gives Ramsey, who has been under-fire from fans, the option of reverting to two up front – his decision to play with only one striker has caused some anger in the stands.

Emmanuel-Thomas is also able to operate just off the front or in a wide position in the formation Ramsey favours.

Austin, meanwhile, has declared himself fit for the game at Brentford but the final decision will be left to Rangers’ medical staff.

“We’re going to double-check in training today, see how he is and see what decision the medical people are going to make,” Ramsey explained.

“He’s raring to go. Charlie has been very enthusiastic this week.”