QPR boss Mark Hughes defends decision ahead of Swansea crunch game by Phil Blanche, Western MailApr 10 FORMER Wales boss Mark has defended his decision to rest star men Bobby Zamora and Joey Barton ahead of Swansea Cityâs visit to west London tomorrow. Both players sat out Queens Park Rangersâ 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday, striker Zamora following the after-effects of a virus while midfielder Barton was one booking away from picking up a two-match suspension. With Rangers now facing matches against Swansea and West Brom that, on paper, offer a couple of the best opportunities they will have of picking up wins to take them clear of relegation trouble, Hughes felt there was little to be gained from pressing them into service against the Premier League leaders. And given that midfielder Shaun Derry was sent off at Old Trafford and will need to be successful in his appeal to feature against Swansea, Bartonâs availability is even more crucial. âBobby was ill all week and was struggling with the effects of a virus a couple of days ago,â said Hughes. âI made the decision to ensure he was 100% for Wednesday rather than risk him by giving him an hour against United at 70%, which might have compromised him. âWe couldnât take the risk with losing Joey for two key games.â Meanwhile, Hughes has welcomed midfielder Alejandro Faurlin back to the club as he continues his rehabilitation from the cruciate knee injury he suffered in January. Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footba...sea-crunch-game-91466-30726751/#ixzz1rcbr6MkW.
I think he made the right call on Barton and Zamora. Having Faurlin back in the building is good news. His ability to play under extreme pressure this time last year should inspire the others. Back to back wins now and we will see daylight.
What's to defend? Utterly sensible and we limited loss at Man U to 2 nil with 10 men. What would we have said if Barton got his yellow and missed Swansea and WBA, two winnable games? A journo looking to make a story out of nothing.
