QPR boss Harry Redknapp has appeared to rule out any prospect of Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar forcing his way back into contention at Loftus Road.

Cesar is set to miss out again for tonight's home clash with Brighton in the Sky Bet Championship, with Rob Green maintaining his number one position and youngster Brian Murphy once again among the substitutes.

The 33-year-old Cesar had been expected to leave the club over the summer but no offers materialised and Redknapp admitted he is at a loss over the player's future.

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Redknapp said: "t's a difficult situation with Julio and I'm surprised no one came in for him. He's a world-class keeper.

"Murphy's also a good goalkeeper. And besides I don't know whether Julio wants to sit on the bench.

"His dream is to play in the World Cup in Brazil and I don't think this will affect his situation.

"The manager of Brazil thinks he's the number one man and I don't think anything that happens at QPR is going to change that for him."

Junior Hoilett and Andrew Johnson are both injury doubts for Rangers, while Brighton are without top scorer Leonardo Ulloa who starts a three-match ban after being sent off for a reckless challenge against Reading on Sunday.

Nigel Adkins expects former Reading boss Brian McDermott to receive a warm welcome when he returns to the Madejski Stadium with Leeds - seven months after being sacked by the Royals.

Adkins said: "Brian McDermott back at the Madejski Stadium should get a fantastic reception for what he did at this football club.

"We know it's going to be a gripping game. The players have got to recover now which is important and get ourselves ready."

Adkins will be without striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who was sent off for two yellow cards in Saturday's goalless draw with Brighton, with Nick Blackman set to replace him up front.

Fresh from Saturday's 1-0 win at Bolton, McDermott is set to replace groin injury victim Lee Peltier with Sam Byram, and otherwise has a fully fit squad to choose from.

PA

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