Although Queens Park Rangers are well-placed for a swift return to the Premier League, Harry Redknapp has warned his men that 11 teams can still get promoted this season.
QPR are second in the Championship and host Bolton tonight looking to close the eight-point gap to leaders Leicester. Burnley, Derby, Nottingham Forest and Reading occupy the play-off places but Redknapp says any team in the top half of the table can get promoted if they go on a good run.
“It is going to be tight because there are so many teams hovering around the top,” said the QPR manager. “There are a lot of teams up there who will be scrapping for the top spots. Leicester are going great guns and then there is ourselves, Burnley, Derby, Forest, Reading. Even a team like Wigan down in 11th could go on a good run.”
Joey Barton remains sidelined with a thigh injury and Redknapp is unsure how long the midfielder will be out for. “He is a big loss when he does not play because he has been excellent,” said the manager. “He has been top-class so we need him back quickly because he is important to the team. He gives everything and is a quality player. He is very much at home at QPR now.”
Yossi Benayoun is a doubt for the game after injuring his groin in training. Danny Simpson is out with a back problem but Junior Hoilett could return after recovering from a hamstring strain.
Redknapp is in the market for a defender before the transfer window closes. He said: “A few of the teams pushing at the top will be looking to strengthen.”
CHARLTON skipper Johnnie Jackson is urging his side to use their back-to-back FA Cup wins over Oxford and Huddersfield to spark a revival in the League.
Tonight, Charlton go to Doncaster and Jackson said: “We’ve got games in hand so we feel that if we can use this cup form to galvanise our League form we can take the confidence from it.”
MILLWALL could give a debut to Shaun Williams against Sheffield Wednesday tonight after signing the midfielder from MK Dons for an undisclosed fee. Williams scored 10 goals in 33 games for the Dons this season.
