QPR boss seeking more clinical touch as they suffer EFL Cup upset

BY NICK KITUNO

Mark Warburton wants his side to be more “ruthless” in both boxes as Queens Park Rangers were upset by Plymouth Argyle in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Ryan Manning put Rangers ahead after just 68 seconds before the hosts overturned the deficit with two goals either side of the break, thanks to captain Joe Edwards and Danny Mayor.

Osman Kakay  restored parity with his first senior goal for the club but Frank Nouble’s debut strike proved to be the winner.

Warburton said: “We scored the early goal, and our shape was good right at the start, but then we give away a soft goal. You can’t do that.

“We looked a bit predictable in the first half. We got good possession but didn’t maximise it and didn’t look threatening enough.

“We had two, three, four chances and I thought their keeper [Michael Cooper] was very, very good. Joe Lumley hasn’t had a save to make but he has had to pick the ball out of the net three times.

“When we give away soft possession, don’t track a runner or don’t get out and close the ball down, it’s damaging to us. We have to be more ruthless in both boxes.”

It is the first time that Rangers have failed to progress past the first round of the competition since 2011, when they were knocked out 2-0 at home by Rochdale.

There were also first starts for summer arrivals Rob Dickie and Tom Carroll. The former joined from League One outfit Oxford United while the other has signed a one-year deal following his release from Swansea City.

Warburton appeared pleased with both of their performances following the defeat and expects George Thomas, another summer signing, to be back in training from Tuesday next week.

He added: “He tweaked a quad so you have to be careful. Hopefully, he will be available for selection for the Nottingham Forest game on Saturday.

“Yoann [Barbet] and Geoff [Cameron] should both be ready as well.”