Rangers boss will look to off-load players in an attempt to ‘balance team’

Mark Hughes is not ruling out the possibility of more new signings before the new season gets underway – but suggested his priority is now to trim down his QPR squad.

Rowan Vine was the latest player to depart Loftus Road this week, the striker sealing a move to St Johnstone, while the likes of Akos Buzsaky, Fitz Hall and Patrick Agyemang have all moved on in recent weeks.

However, seven signings this summer have swelled the QPR squad to more than 30, and Hughes admitted that more players will need to be offloaded.

“It’s fair to say that we can’t carry as many players as we have done. A lot of players have left but a lot of players have come in,” said Hughes.

“We have to get the numbers right and the balance right. We will continue to do that. It’s about making sure the squad we finally end up with is a squad that can compete.

“There may be more additions. We can’t guarantee that but we’ve done well up to this point.”

QPR continued their pre-season with a routine 3-0 win at Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night, thanks to goals from Jamie Mackie, Shaun Wright-Phillips and a rare strike from centre-back Nedum Onuoha.

The game also saw Anton Ferdinand awarded the captain’s arm-band, and Hughes admitted he is close to deciding who will skipper the side for the forthcoming campaign.

Ferdinand, Clint Hill and new signing Ji-Sung Park have all been give run-outs as captain this summer, giving the manager plenty of options.

“I keep moving it around and will continue to do that for the next two games,” he added. “I’ve got a mind on who will eventually have it.

“A lot of the guys are making good claims for it and it’s good we’ve got leadership in the group.”

QPR’s victory at Adams Park means they remain undefeated pre-season, and Hughes revealed he is satisfied at his team’s preparation.

“It takes more time when you have players who can’t grasp what you’re trying to get over and can’t understand what’s required,” he said. “The guys we’ve brought in are quality players so it makes it easier to gel.”

“We’re pleased we done a lot of good work early on. I think that shows in the way the guys are bonding and gelling on the field of play.

“It was an aim of ours to get as many bodies through the door as we could early on. We’ve been able to do that and we’ll continue in the same vein.”

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