The QPR players who might benefit most from Holloway taking over

By David McIntyre 18/11/2016

Ian Holloway has been assessing his squad this week after returning to QPR for a second spell as manager – and he plans to make changes over the coming weeks and months.

Which Rangers players might stand to gain most from Holloway replacing the sacked Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink?

Conor Washington

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No longer will he operate in an uncomfortable role on the left. Holloway is a firm believer that Washington plays off the shoulder of defenders, ideally as a central striker. If he does play on the left, which is still likely, his instructions will be to drift inside into scoring positions whenever possible, with the emphasis still being on playing off the shoulder.

Michael Petrasso

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The Marc Bircham connection is likely to result in the young winger being given a real chance to establish himself if he can stay fit. QPR’s new first-team coach brought Petrasso to Rangers from Canada, coached him in the Under-21s and has strongly recommended him to Holloway, who was previously going to sign Petrasso on loan for Millwall on Bircham’s say-so but the player picked up an injury.

Michael Doughty

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Holloway likes the midfielder and has done for some time. As with Petrasso, Doughty is well known to Bircham. Currently on loan at Swindon – his seventh loan spell away from Rangers – Doughty has been earmarked for a first-team place in the new year.

Nasser El Khayati

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The Dutchman hasn’t made much of an impact since arriving from Burton, but Holloway believes he has talent and is capable of making his mark.

Sebastian Polter

Holloway likes the German target man a lot. His cause is also likely to be helped, initially at least, by the fact that Holloway places great emphasis on being able to get his message across and his main competition for a place up front, Idrissa Sylla, does not speaking English.

Jake Bidwell

Currently out injured, Bidwell is another player Holloway has rated for some time. Jack Robinson will need to play out of his skin to keep the former Brentford man out of the side.

Jordan Cousins

Regarded as an excellent signing by Holloway, who firmly believes midfielders should be able to play box-to-box. Strong in the tackle and eager to get forward, Cousins fits the bill.