Hughes feels vindicated for keeping Hill at Loftus Road

QPR manager Mark Hughes believes Clint Hill’s recent performances have justified the decision not to allow any of his 25-man squad out on loan.

Leeds United were linked with Hill after the appointment of Neil Warnock as boss, and the defender’s first-team chances at Loftus Road looked slim.

But Hughes made it clear none of the 25 would leave and he has since recalled Hill to the side.

The 33-year-old, who played under Warnock at Rangers and Crystal Palace, has responded with solid displays at left-back and as a central defender.

And Hughes said: “We’ve been in a situation where if maybe we haven’t performed defensively as we wanted to, we need to look at our options.

“Clint’s been very much in my mind, he’s in the 25, and he’s player I knew I could call upon if I needed to.

“So I’m very reluctant to send people out on loan once they’re in the 25. My priority really is to get the others out on loan.”

The Liverpool-born Hill discussed a move to Leeds before Warnock persuaded him to stay in the south and join him at QPR in 2010.

His R’s contract expires at the end of the season, when he is expected to be released.