QPR’s Robert Green is set to replace first choice goalkeeper Julio Cesar after the Brazilian suffered a groin tear in the club’s 0-0 draw with Sunderland.

The 33-year-old was substituted at half-time and Green is set to start for QPR for the first time this season since both signed for the club in the summer.

Defender Ryan Nelsen rejected claims that they would struggle without the Brazilian: “Of course not, Green is just as good. You saw what he did out there, he was fantastic and there will be absolutely no problems with him being in goal for us.

“He made a great save [from Fletcher] and it was a fantastic moment for Rob. He looked really assured, he looked like an England international, which he is.

“Rob is a fantastic professional. He works very hard every day. Obviously he has been disappointed, we all understand that, but he never lets his guard down in training.

“He puts in a good shift and that’s so important, it shows he is a good role model for the younger pros and younger keepers and everyone else. It is a clean slate and everybody will have to impress just to stay on the field.”