‘He knows exactly what he has to do’ – QPR boss Stephan on possibility of youngster returning

QPR boss Julien Stephan says Rayan Kolli’s involvement in the squad will be decided purely by his performances rather than the club’s injury situation.

Rangers’ forward duo Rumarn Burrell and Richard Kone are currently struggling with injuries.

Kolli has been training with the first team over the past two weeks, but Stephan insists the forward knows exactly what is required of him if he is to earn a first-team opportunity, and it is not to do with those who are sidelined.

“For me Rayan’s situation is not aligned with the situation of our injuries,” Stephan told West London Sport.

“If we have nine more injuries, if I consider that Rayan doesn’t deserve to be in the group, he will not be in the group.

“And we can have all the players available and if I consider that Rayan deserves to be on the pitch, he will be on the pitch.”

The QPR boss also stressed that he remains a fan of the player and believes the pathway back into the team is clear.

“Everyone knows exactly the situation,” he added.

“I repeat, I love Rayan. He trained with us the last two weeks, did well on the pitch, trained with us in the friendly game, so he knows what he has to do. He knows exactly.

“On the pitch is what will decide.”

Asked whether Kolli would be involved in QPR’s squad for the clash with West Ham on Friday, Stephan kept his answer brief.

“You will have the answer on Friday.”