Queens Park Rangers manager Gareth Ainsworth has issued a challenge to his players to take their chance in the absence of Jack Colback.
Colback is starting to serve his suspension after picking up a red card on Saturday afternoon in the 3-1 home defeat to Sunderland.
The 33-year-old was sent off in the 21st minute after a challenge on Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham. Ainsworth has said it’s a big blow to lose him, but is hoping his other midfielder step up and take the chance to impress.
“He’s one of my best players and is going to miss three games now, which is a big blow for us,” Ainsworth told West London Sport.
“But we’ve got the likes of Andre Dozzell, Stephen Duke-McKenna and even Kenneth Paal who can all fill in to that role.
“We’ve got opportunities now for people to come in and say ‘Right, I’ll take this.” There’s always a window. When a door closes there’s always something for somebody.
“I’m looking forward now to seeing who can take this opportunity.”
Gareth Ainsworth happy to have Jimmy Dunne back
Ainsworth will be boosted though with the return of centre back Jimmy Dunne.
“Jimmy could well feature in the next couple of games (after Swansea on Tuesday).
“Tomorrow night’s probably just too soon for Jimmy. If needed I think we could chuck him on, but I think he’s looking more at the Coventry game.”
Ainsworth praised his medical staff with Dunne’s recovery, after it was feared at one stage that he could be out for as long as three months.
Ainsworth said: “I have to say the medical staff have been unbelievable with him.
“They’ve accelerated his programme – not risking it, but managing to get so much in there.
“It’s been great what they’ve done with Jimmy and I’m really looking forward to getting him back.”