Warnock insists he is happy with midfielder’s performances this season

Neil Warnock admits Shaun Wright-Phillips is 'desperate' to score his first QPR goal, but concedes the winger is being forced to sacrifice his attacking instincts in order to help out his defence.

After a flying start to his QPR career Wright-Phillips has struggled to make an impact in recent matches, playing in a variety of positions across the midfield but so far failing to find the net.

The former Chelsea and Manchester City man came in for criticism again after another indifferent display in QPR's 1-0 defeat at Liverpool on Saturday, but Warnock insists that Wright-Phillips' defensive duties mean he is having to curb his natural attacking game.

"I've been quite happy with Shaun, he's probably being doing a bit more work on the defensive side. On Saturday when we were getting over-run at times he had to go back into central midfield," Warnock told London24.com.

"He's helping the team and that's probably taking a bit off his own game. Some games, especially when you're playing the top sides, you have to help the team and do what's needed, and I think he's been doing that really.

"Him and Jamie Mackie are both desperate for a goal, and I think if one scores then they'll get a few more, it's just getting that first one over the line."

And Warnock insists the 30-year-old is comfortable playing in a 'free role' behind the Rangers attack.

"He likes the free role, he played there a lot at Manchester City and he enjoyed it. I'm not asking him to do something that he doesn't know how to do," added Warnock. "At the moment he's working hard for the team. It's taking a bit off his forward play but he's helping the team."

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