Neil Critchley makes admission about Taylor Richards’ future at QPR | OneFootball

Queens Park Rangers head coach Neil Critchley has revealed that the club are still planning to sign Taylor Richards on a permanent deal from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The R’s secured the services of Richards in the previous transfer window on a temporary deal which included an option to buy at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Richards would have been hoping to make a major impact during the opening stages of his loan spell at Loftus Road.

However, the midfielder has missed a considerable chunk of action this season due to injury.

Richards has yet to start a league game for QPR this season and was unavailable for selection for their recent showdown with Swansea City due to illness.

In the absence of the 22-year-old, the R’s were forced to settle for a point in front of their supporters as Jamal Lowe’s strike was cancelled out by an effort from Jay Fulton.

QPR will be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend when they head to the MKM Stadium to face Hull City.

Ahead of this upcoming clash, Critchley has revealed the club’s current stance on a permanent move for Richards.

Speaking to West London Sport, Critchley said: “He was sick, which is why he was not involved [against Swansea], but as far as I know that deal (to sign) is still in place.

“I’ve known Taylor since his Fulham day before he moved to Man City.

“He is a highly talented player.

“It’s been hugely frustrating because he missed pre-season, so we have to build his fitness up through training.

“He has come on in the last two games and there is no doubting his ability.

“But for him he just has to be patient, keep working hard and take that opportunity.”

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The Verdict

With Richards still on course to secure a permanent switch to QPR, the midfielder will be hoping to earn the opportunity to showcase his talent on a regular basis by maintaining his fitness over the course of the coming months.

Yet to score a goal or provide an assist for the R’s, it will be interesting to see whether Richards will be able to step up his performance levels.

With plenty of football left to be played this season, there is still time for Richards to make a positive impression in a QPR shirt.

Only four points adrift of the play-off places in the Championship standings, the R’s will be determined to pick a morale-boosting victory over Hull this weekend after failing to win any of their previous five league games.