Beat around the Bush: Can Hoilett be the new Taarabt for QPR?

Adel Taarabt was QPR's standout player during their promotion-winning 2010-11 season (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

QPR continued their unbeaten start to the season with a creditable point away to Huddersfield on Saturday, but left Yorkshire pondering on what might have been after squandering a host of chances to secure maximum points.

Harry Redknapp has overseen a huge overhaul of his squad this summer with the high-profile departures of Jose Bosingwa, Djibril Cisse, and Christopher Samba among others.

The former Tottenham manager has been able to strengthen the squad though with the capture of prolific striker Charlie Austin from Burnley for a reported £4 million after missing out on Gary Hooper, and experienced bodies like Karl Henry and free agent Richard Dunne joining.

The west London side looked to build on their opening day win over Sheffield Wednesday and comfortable midweek cup win over Exeter when they travelled to Huddersfield – a ground familiar to all R’s fans as they dropped to the third tier after defeat there in 2001.

Again Junior Hoilett was mightily impressive on the wing for the Rs, looking dangerous at every opportunity he was on the ball. It’s safe to say Rangers must keep hold of the Canadian if they are to sustain a promotion push this season.

The 23-year-old could well have a similar impact Fulham loanee Adel Taarabt did in the Championship three seasons ago, taking the league by storm as QPR were promoted back to the Premier League for the first time in 15 years.

Fast forward a month ago and I never thought I would say this but it is essential that QPR keep Joey Barton at the club this season. He had made his feeling quite clear that he wanted to move to Marseille but a move has failed to materialise and as a result Barton still remains at the club.

At this level he is different class and Harry Redknapp has highlighted the fact his attitude and work ethic since he has returned to the club has been exemplary.

It is well know Barton has made mistakes and gone back on comments he has made in the past, but at the end of the day if - and that is a big if - he can keep his head and do his talking on the pitch this season, QPR have the best midfielder in the Championship in my opinion.

QPR’s dressing room is seemingly a much happier place this season, and the players, including Barton, looked united together and ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

Barton again looked impressive on Saturday, but I believe by operating him in a central role, as Redknapp did in the second half at the weekend, you will get the best out of him rather than playing him out on the wing.

In terms of the Rs’ attacking options I still believe they need to add one more striker to the squad, especially with Bobby Zamora’s and Andy Johson’s injury records over the past few years.

Colombian striker Duvan Zapata and former striker Peter Crouch have been touted as possible signings.

I believe a cut-price deal for the latter would be the best bit of business as Crouch would score goals for fun at this level, and of course knows Redknapp well after playing under him four times previously.

I also believe QPR need another left back with Armand Traore seemingly on his way out of the club, potentially leaving Yun Suk-Young as the only available player in this position.

Suk-Young looks good going forward, but positioning wise he has a lot to learn, so Redknapp should look to bring in an experienced player in this position before the end of the transfer window.

After missing out on the signing of Wayne Bridge, Redknapp will do well to sign another established left back before the window closes, but it should be one of his top priorities before then.