QPR boss bemoans errors but backs Samba

QPR boss Harry Redknapp is convinced Chris Samba will be back to his best against Wigan on Sunday.

The £12.5m January signing was criticised following a woeful performance in the 3-2 loss at Fulham, where he was at fault for both opening goals.

And Redknapp admits that such mistakes by the team in back-to-back defeats have ruined their bid to climb out of the bottom three.

He said: “I’ve been pleased with the way we’ve been playing. We’ve been scoring goals, which is something we haven’t done all year.

“But we’re suddenly conceding goals, not through being an open team, but because of individual errors. They have been quite glaring individual errors.”

Samba, who hit back at angry fans on Twitter following the Fulham debacle, gave away an early penalty at Craven Cottage and was then caught in possession in the build-up to the Whites’ second goal.

“He had a nightmare, to be fair, but he was fantastic against Southampton – that was one of the best performances I’ve seen from a defender this season,” said Redknapp.

“People look at the other night, and yes he had a bad game, but he’s not the first centre-back to have a bad game – some of the finest centre-backs have had bad games.

“He’s still a top player and I think on Sunday we’ll see the Chris Samba we’re used to seeing.”

Meanwhile, QPR will be without Shaun Wright-Phillips for the remainder of the season after the wide-man was forced to undergo surgery on an ankle problem.

Redknapp explained: “He tried to keep going but the kid’s played with pain and not been 100% for some time, so he’s had to have an operation.”

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