Football
PA Sport 9y

Rob Green out this week, but Chris Ramsey hopes he stays at QPR

QPR coach Chris Ramsey has ruled Rob Green out of Sunday's final match of the Premier League season at Leicester but hopes the goalkeeper has not already had his final appearance for the Hoops.

Green suffered a concussion in last week's defeat of Newcastle and is poised to be replaced by Alex McCarthy at the King Power Stadium as relegated Rangers bid farewell to the top flight.

The England goalkeeper has been linked with a move, with Chelsea among the clubs reported to be interested.

Ramsey, whose permanent appointment as head coach was confirmed this week, said: "With the concussion rules, we'll be leaving him out for that game. We want to make sure we take every precaution that he's OK for next season."

Asked if Green would be leaving this summer, Ramsey added: "I don't know what his agents are negotiating with other people, but I would hope not."

Defender Steven Caulker (hand) is also out of the match, having been replaced at half-time of last week's win.

"Steven was willing to do a shift despite that broken hand," Ramsey added. "He's been advised to rest that and make sure that next season is an injury-free one."

Charlie Austin is available, after his England call-up this week.

"I'm really pleased for Charlie and for what he's achieved," Ramsey said. "With Charlie's attitude and his knack of scoring of goals, I think he was always destined to get his opportunity to be in the squad. I'm hoping he gets an opportunity to get on the field and achieve his dream."

Sunday's match could mark something of a changing of the guard for QPR, with players making their final appearances and youth given an opportunity.

Ramsey knows difficult times await and a swift return to the top-flight is by no means a formality.

"I realise there's a big job ahead," he said. "I've got the stomach for the fight and everyone needs to pull together to make sure we consolidate and eventually get back to where we need to be.

"I would urge patience and urge the fans to realise that we are going through a transitional period. It's important we have a club that is on a very stable footing for years to come.

"The Championship's a very difficult division. We have to respect it and make sure that, whatever happens, we don't slide. Obviously our ultimate goal is to be back in the Premier League."

Preparation for next season will start immediately after the final whistle at Leicester.

Ramsey added: "The close season's going to be short this year. Our recruitment drive has to start almost immediately. We'll have to start on Monday. If we wait around, before you know it preseason starts and we won't have a squad.

"There's always a wish-list [of players you want to retain], but sometimes it's out of your hands."

Ramsey is eager for a victory which could see QPR climb off the bottom of the table by leapfrogging Burnley.

"We have got another game to play and we don't want it to be a farce," he said. "We want people to go out and show what they can do. You want to make sure you put your best foot forward.

"I'm hoping the players can play with a bit of pride and not finish bottom of the league. If we can finish one place up the merit money will come in handy and it's good for the fans.''

^ Back to Top ^