QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has rejected claims Sandro reacted unprofessionally during QPR’s recent win at Fulham, insisting the midfielder is doing “really well” at present.

The Rs were desperate to offload the high earner off their books in the summer, but the Brazilian was unable to secure a move away from W12.

Hasselbaink has made it clear the former Tottenham midfielder is well down the pecking order at Loftus Road, but the 27-year-old has been a part of the Dutchman’s first-team squad in recent times.

Sandro appeared to react angrily at Hasselbaink’s decision not to bring him on during the Rs’ recent 2-1 success over the Whites, however the Dutchman has defended the tough tackling midfielder’s actions at Craven Cottage.

He told the Times: “He was not unhappy. He was disappointed he didn’t get any minutes.

“I see that as a very good thing the way he reacted. I do not like players on the bench who are happy to be just sitting there. If it is done in the right way I am fine with it.

“After the game I explained the situation to him and he was fine with it and we moved on.”

He continued: “He is doing really well and I’m very happy with his conduct on the whole.

“We thought he was going to go so I had to make plans and bring new midfielders in.”

Elsewhere, Hasselbaink has admitted that the Rs need to start playing to Conor Washington’s strengths more.

“We are happy with Conor’s progress, but do we need to use him a little bit better,” he said.

We are still getting use to his qualities, and they are more direct and getting in behind. We have to be a bit more opportunistic with him, too.”