QPR captain Hall struggling with back problem

QPR will on Monday assess a back injury which kept Grant Hall out of Saturday’s game against Birmingham.

Hall was named in the starting line-up but replaced by Conor Masterson after aggravating the problem during the pre-match warm-up.

The Rangers captain, who has previously been troubled by knee problems, was withdrawn from training the day before the game but was believed to be fit enough to play.

Manager Mark Warburton explained: “He had a tight back in training. We pulled him out, just to be cautious. It spasmed in the warm-up so young Conor stepped straight in.”

Tough test for QPR prospect

Youngster Masterson has impressed since breaking into the first team and he was certainly tested up against Scott Hogan, who scored both Birmingham’s goals in a 2-2 draw at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

It took former Brentford striker Hogan’s goal tally to six in seven matches since his loan move from Aston Villa.

Masterson was at fault for the opening goal and, after Marc Pugh and Jordan Hugill netted for Rangers, Hogan equalised after Warburton’s side failed to deal with a corner.

“We didn’t attack the ball well enough and we were sloppy and paid the price,” Warburton admitted.

“The first goal was a soft one to give away and the second was a soft set-piece to give away and then we didn’t defend it well.”

Clotet: Blues should have had penalty

Birmingham boss Pep Clotet insisted his side should have been awarded a penalty in stoppage time following a challenge on Hogan by Yoann Barbet.

Clotet suggested a spot-kick might have been given had Hogan not initially stayed on his feet before stumbling.

“He could have had another goal because possibly that was a penalty at the end,” said Clotet.

“Again, we don’t get it awarded. Unfortunately we’re used to that and eventually this has to change.

“The penalty was very clear and it would have meant another chance for him.

“If it’s a penalty it’s a penalty. If a player stays on his feet and it’s not a penalty does means that if someone punches someone and doesn’t knock him then it’s not a penalty.

“What are we doing? Are we encouraging people to dive in the box? It’s a penalty and I think everyone saw it.”

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