Striker to feature in QPR-Spurs friendly
QPR’s management team will get a chance to assess DJ Campbell – and Tottenham’s fringe players – in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday.
A reserve-team match against Spurs will give striker Campbell an opportunity to measure his fitness following his recent return to action.
And the game at Harlington could prove useful for Rangers in more ways than one.
Much of their transfer strategy in recent years has revolved around which players Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is willing to part with.
- QPR’s management team will monitor Campbell.
The approaching transfer window is no exception, with the R’s waiting to pounce for Sebastien Bassong if Redknapp succeeds in signing another defender.
In August, they thought they were getting Bassong on loan with a view to a permanent move but the deal collapsed when Tottenham failed in a bid to capture Gary Cahill from Bolton.
Spurs striker Jermain Defoe is top of Neil Warnock’s wish list this time around and he remains interested in Bassong, while others could also come into the equation depending on who becomes available.
Defoe is one of a number of strikers being targeted by Warnock, although the Rangers boss’ limited attacking options have at least been improved by Campbell’s recovery from a foot injury.
Campbell came on as a substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Liverpool despite having not kicked a ball since returning to light training after nine weeks on the sidelines.
The summer signing from Blackpool is expected to feature in Tuesday’s game and hopes to be in the squad for this weekend’s match against Manchester United at Loftus Road.
He said: “It was a surprise being involved [against Liverpool] because I haven’t had a reserve game yet, but I was delighted to play a part and disappointed not to get a better result.
“There’s a friendly on Tuesday which I’ll be involved in, and then we’ll take it from there. Hopefully by next Saturday I’ll have a week’s training under my belt and can be involved with the first team.
“It has been a frustrating start for me, but that’s football. Last year I didn’t have any injuries – it was a clean season for me.
“This year has been completely different, but I’m still focused on my job and when I do get called upon hopefully I can perform.”
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