QPR boss rules out throwing youngsters in for Brighton game

QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says he does not intend to make major changes for the trip to face promotion-chasing Brighton.

Hasselbaink gave Matt Ingram his debut in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Cardiff but has subsequently insisted that Alex Smithies remains his number one keeper.

The Dutchman has also ruled out using the final matches of the season to give several youngsters a chance to show what they can do.

“I’m looking to get the right mentality and the right spirit to grow going forward. We want to try to end the season on a strong note,” Hasselbaink said.

“Of course you are looking at next season and looking to try things out. But I don’t want to try things out just to try things out.

“The division deserves more than that. We want to go into games at least being competitive in them.

“We’re going to go to Brighton to try to compete and be positive. If you think I’m going to put 10 or six youngsters in, no.

“If you do that, you’re not going to give them (youngsters) the right chance. You need to give them a chance in a team that’s as strong as possible.

“We’re going to look at Brighton, look at how we’re going to play, look at what we can do and see what we can do to be successful.”

Saturday’s stalemate left QPR 11th in the Championship table, while Brighton are third and could move back into the top two if they win Tuesday’s match.