Holloway questions his team selection after QPR defeat

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Ian Holloway questioned his own decision not to start with Matt Smith following QPR’s defeat against Wolves.

Rangers were beaten 2-1 at Molineux, where they caused the Championship leaders major problems after target man Smith was brought on for the second half.

Conor Washington pulled a goal back and Rangers almost found an equaliser, with Ebere Eze – also on as a substitute – going close in injury time.

Manager Holloway said: “You could argue I should have started with him (Smith) and I’ll have to have a good look at myself for that.

“But Matt’s abilities aren’t chasing the ball around and, when they pass it around as nicely as they do, it’s very difficult.

“I wanted to stop them getting it. I tried something that could have worked, I changed it, and all I want is my lads to take the opportunity when they come off the bench – and they certainly did.

“I’m gutted and I’ll have a good look at myself for the team I started with.”

Washington’s goal lifted Rangers, who then put Wolves under sustained pressure.

However, the striker earlier missed two great chances to put his team ahead before the home side scored twice.

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“Unfortunately we had two chances and didn’t take them,” Holloway said.

“It’s not his fault, but on another day that would have knocked the stuffing out of them – but you never know it might have annoyed them and got them going.

“But if we make those kind of chances in the games coming up, I believe we’ll take them and I believe others might not make as many chances as Wolves did against us.

“We had more than enough to trouble them but when I watch it back I’ll be kicking myself, saying ‘if only’.

“The nature of their two goals upset me. We almost gifted them. I was very upset at half-time but the lads gave a rousing response.”