McClaren ‘miles away’ from deciding QPR line-up

Steve McClaren admitted he faces some difficult selection decisions after QPR warmed up for the new season with a 3-0 win over FC Union Berlin.

Ebere Eze and Bright Osayi-Samuel both caught the eye – and scored – in the friendly at Loftus Road, where Matt Smith also found the net.

McClaren, who took over as Rangers manager this summer, must now choose a line-up for next weekend’s Championship opener against Preston.

He said: “I’m miles away from picking my best team at the moment because they’re all proving to be doing very well, both in training and during games. Next week will be interesting.

“It’ll be a totally different game and we need a strong mentality. So far so good but I’ll know a lot more next week.

“It’s intriguing coming in and working with this group, seeing that they have quite a few combinations where people like playing with each other and combining.

“Luke Freeman likes playing with Jake Bidwell and Eze, and there’s Eze with Bright. I think it’s encouraging.”

McClaren is keen to make at least one new signing before next weekend’s game.

Rangers are hopeful of pushing through a deal to sign Australia defender Trent Sainsbury and are also looking to add a striker to their squad.

“We’re seeing things which we’ve worked on for five weeks in training – we just want to see them in the game,” McClaren added.

“We’ve still got a long way to go but I think we grew with the performance today after a sticky start.

“I’m exactly where I want to be with this group. But there are a lot of improvements still to make.”