QPR boss: We can cope without Barton

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QPR manager Neil Warnock insists his team are capable of coping without Joey Barton against Norwich.

Barton will miss Saturday’s game at Carrow Road through suspension, with Shaun Derry expected to be given the nod to replace him when Warnock makes a final decision on his line-up.

Warnock said: “We know it’s going to be difficult without Joey, but you’ve got to expect that [suspensions] at some stage with him.

“It’s an opportunity for someone. It opens the door. We need somone to come in and keep things going for us. We’ve a couple of options we’re looking at.”

Striker Jay Bothroyd has been passed fit to return after missing last weekend’s victory at Stoke because of a hamstring strain, while Heidar Helguson is likely to be available after picking up a facial injury during that game.

Fitz Hall also returns to the squad but Luke Young and Danny Gabbidon have not trained this week and look likely to miss out.

Meanwhile, Matt Connolly has resumed full training after an ankle problem and Kieron Dyer, who has been sidelined since August with a foot injury, is on course to train with the rest of the R’s squad next week.

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