There is half a mind to leave Joey Barton out of QPR’s team for the next two games for fear he misses the play-offs.
The inspirational midfielder has 12 bookings to his name and if he picks up three more in the run-in - that’s curtains as far as the semi-final and any prospective Wembley appearance on May 24.
At the same time, boss Harry Redknapp reckons it gives his inspirational midfielder a chance to fully recover from a thigh problem picked up towards the end of the 1-0 win over Wigan at the end of March.
“Joey’s been doing some running in training, but he’s three booking away from suspension; and it shouldn’t be a consideration, but Joey’s a bit worried about that as well,” explained boss Harry Redknapp.
The manager's not fussed who he gets in the play-offs but points to the Latics as the team in form - despite Sunday’s semi-final defeat to Arsenal that prised their hands off the FA Cup.
“Wigan have come from 100 miles behind and they look the strongest at the moment – they look a real team,” added Redknapp.