Harry Redknapp says Ravel Morrison was withdrawn for tactical reasons during QPR's stalemate against Wigan.
The Championship play-off semi-final remains on a knife-edge after a 0-0 draw at the DW Stadium on Friday night.
Morrison struggled to get into the game and was replaced by Niko Kranjcar late on.
"He looked disappointed when he came off," said Redknapp., "It's a team game, he knows that. He's been as good as gold since he's come in.
"I was bringing Niko Kranjcar on. He's got 80 caps for Croatia, so he's not the worst player in the world. It's not an insult to be subbed for him."
