MARK Warburton and his QPR squad are looking forwards and have their full focus on Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship clash against Bristol City.

The R’s missed out on the permanent signing of Nahki Wells this week. Before being recalled by his parent club Burnley on Monday, Wells had bagged 15 goals for Rangers this season.

The Bermuda international then made a permanent switch to Saturday’s opponents Bristol City on Thursday night for a reported £5million.

And manager Warburton was disappointed to have lost his top scorer but was measured on why QPR weren’t able to bring Wells back to W12 permanently.

“There was no shortage of desire [to sign Nahki permanently],” Warburton told www.qpr.co.uk. “Firstly, we know what a good player Nahki is. He was a pleasure to work with and all of us had a great relationship with him.

“He scored goals, he enjoyed his time back here and I saw the message that he sent out; it showed how pleased he was to have shown the fans here what a good player he is.

“Everyone won from that and we were disappointed to lose him. We had no desire to see Nahki go but that is football sometimes.

“Entering the last 18 months of his contract, Burnley wanted value and we wanted to buy Nahki. We can’t afford the fees that are being paid for Nahki Wells, though. Unfortunately, it’s as simple as that.

“I read some comments about ‘lack of ambition’ and ‘mid-table security’ - Lee [Hoos] has been very clear about Financial Fair Play and we have abided by it to put the club on firm foundations.

“We can’t go and spend £3, 4, 5 million pounds on a player. We’d love to have had Nahki here permanently but he was a commodity that we can’t afford at the moment.”

Rangers have also allowed Toni Leistner and Josh Scowen to depart this month, with the former heading to FC Koln on loan.

Warburton said: “Some players want to be guaranteed first-team football but no-one can really be guaranteed that. You reward players for the way they train and play.

“In Conor Masterson’s case, he has been very patient and was going to go out on loan – I made that very clear – but he had an opportunity and he took it and did really well. As long as players know that you are fair to them then you are in a good place.

“In Toni’s case, he had a desire to play regular football and the opportunity [for him to go to FC Koln] came along.

“Josh was coming to the end of his contract and, being offered a long-term agreement, he has to look forward as a family and it suited all parties. Josh did well for QPR and we wished him well.”

The manager was asked whether he thought his squad was now light on numbers.

Warburton said: “We have got players who can play in a number of positions, so we have got cover around the park. We have got young players coming through who want to be given an opportunity and we have to develop our own as well.

“The role of the senior players is important in terms of their mentoring approach on and off the pitch; the likes of Angel, Geoff, Lee, Grant, Marc Pugh. That’s so important to us.

“The dynamic of the squad is good. It, the squad, is tight and we would possibly like one more but it’s about what is right for the club and doing the right thing for the future.”

Rangers were beaten by Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night and Saturday’s fixture against Bristol City provides them with the opportunity to bounce back

Warburton said: “We know that we need a good performance in front of our own fans to get three vital points. It was frustration again on Tuesday.

“We gave away a soft goal, we responded, missed a big chance and had a shout for a penalty but you have to put the ball in the back of the net.

“We didn’t do it – the frustration is there – so what we have to do is recognise our next opportunity. Bristol City have their threats, they have power all over the park but we are a good team and we have to create chances and put the ball away.”

Yoann Barbet is now back in full training and Angel Rangel is also eligible for selection, having returned to the squad in midweek.

“Angel has worked very hard,” Warburton said. “He is 37 years old and he is a fantastic professional. He’s such a great influence on and off the pitch; his desire and will to win in training is something that you need around the place.

“It’s great to welcome him back. He wants to be fit and pushing Toddy. It’s nice to have that competition in the squad.”

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