QPR boss explains Willock substitution and gives update on Dykes

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Gareth Ainsworth said Chris Willock was taken off at half-time against Ipswich because of fatigue.

Willock, back in the QPR side after an injury, was replaced at half-time by Jack Colback.

Boss Ainsworth said: “Chris Willock was never going to complete 90. Maybe we could have got 60, but he really was shot at half-time.


“That (taking him off) was just a precaution so that he doesn’t pick up any more injuries.

“I can’t thank Chris enough for his efforts today – he did really well for me and showed why he’s classed as one of the best in this league.

“On his day, him and Ilias (Chair) can be whatever they want to be.”

Lyndon Dykes missed the game after picking up a knee injury during this week’s Carabao Cup defeat against Norwich.

Ainsworth said there is “no major, major damage” to Dykes’ knee, but added: “He’s very sore and we’ve got to be very cautious with it.”

Rangers were beaten 1-0 at Loftus Road but Ainsworth was happy with the performance.

He said: “We’re a mile away from where we were last season and it’s so good to see. The boys were brilliant and gave everything.

“I’m gutted we haven’t got anything from it but I’m also hugely happy with the performance.

“Mark my words – and I really hope I’m proved right here – I think we can achieve things.

“I think we’re going to be fine. Write us off at your peril this year.”

Sinclair Armstrong, leading Rangers’ attack in Dykes’ absence, caused Ipswich major problems before going off in the second half.

QPR were unlucky not to be ahead at half-time after Armstrong’s strike from the left of the penalty area hit the inside of the far post and then the inside of the opposite post.

And in the second half, Osman Kakay missed a golden chance for Ainsworth’s side when he contrived to blast wide from close range.

Ainsworth said: “How we haven’t scored I don’t know. Sinclair, who was tremendous, hits both posts and then we miss from a yard out.

“Then I felt we were going to get an equaliser, I really did. It was a different performance to what we’ve seen for a long time here at Loftus Road.

“We had some really good chances today and if we’d put them to bed I think we put Ipswich to bed.”