As QPR’s defensive woes continue, forgotten man must be considered for return

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The Wigan Athletic defeat demonstrates Queens Park Rangers’ need to shore up a leaky defence, and Grant Hall should be in the reckoning.

After enjoying a strong festive period, Queens Park Rangers have been brought back down to earth after suffering their third successive league defeat at Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

The 2-1 loss means QPR are yet to win in the Championship in 2019, and returning utility man Grant Hall could make the positive impression that the Rs faithful have been hoping for.

Injuries have plagued the former Tottenham Hotspur youngster and now it appears that Hall could be ready to challenge for a starting berth, with centre-back his preferred position.

Hall completed the full 90 minutes in the R’s 2-1 win over Leeds United in the FA Cup last month, and put in a reassuring and composed performance which in some ways felt like he hadn’t been away.

Skipper Toni Leistner and Joel Lynch have built a strong relationship at the heart of the defence with some heroic performances to suit, but after conceding nine goals in four games it could be time to consider a change.

Manager Steve McClaren will be keen to get Rangers back to winning ways as quickly as possible, and affording Hall more game time will only help the former England man and the club get back on track.

Hall was one of the Hoops’ best players before his injury problems almost forced him to quit the game, but his performance against Leeds was a reminder of the talent he possess.

It does beg the question as to who McClaren should replace to incorporate Hall, with two viable options the best outlook for the time being. As brilliant and assured as Lynch has been, the Welshman could benefit from a rest after playing in all but two league games so far this season.

It might not prove a popular move among the fans, but for two or three games it could prove fruitful towards the end of the campaign. The next best idea for McClaren would be to play Hall in defensive midfield, another area letting QPR down of late.

Whatever McClaren does opt to do, he will need to keep easing Hall back into the first-team equation and the rewards will be beneficial sooner rather than later.