David Wheeler joined League One Portsmouth on a season-long loan from Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday.
Queens Park Rangers winger David Wheeler has joined League One Portsmouth on a season-long loan, after appearing not to feature in manager Steve McClaren’s plans.
The 27-year-old missed most of last season through injury and only made nine league appearances, scoring once for QPR.
That solitary goal came two minutes into Wheeler’s debut in a 3-2 loss at Middlesbrough, leaving fans of the Hoops somewhat excited about his potential.
Wheeler was signed from Exeter City last summer and had scored 21 goals for the Grecians in the previous campaign; something Pompey fans will be hoping he replicates.
From QPR’s perspective, the loan move does make sense in one way but to see him gone for the whole season could prove costly for McClaren.
Fitness and game time is vital if Wheeler is to rediscover his form of old, and his time at Fratton Park should prove beneficial.
However, if McClaren is to succumb to injuries to any of his wingers throughout this campaign, he will be hoping they are not too serious as replacements could be at a premium.
The R’s have been very quiet this summer and, if Wheeler was to shine on the south coast, it could look like a costly error from McClaren if QPR are struggling.
Wheeler offers versatility and a work rate that is second to none, so QPR will be hoping they have enough about them this season to not miss Wheeler’s obvious ability, or a recall option will need to be negotiated.
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