Niko Kranjcar was preferred to Ravel Morrison in QPR's play-off semi-final win against Wigan because of his experience in big games, according to Harry Redknapp.
The Croatian got the nod ahead of the on-loan West Ham man for the second leg at Loftus Road as Rangers edged to a 2-1 victory thanks to Charlie Austin's double.
But the former Spurs man now faces a race against time to be fit for the Wembley final on May 24 after playing more than half an hour with a hamstring strain.
"It was diffiult. Ravel's done well but I went with Niko," said boss Redknapp.
"He knows the game and has got great experience. He did his hamstring in extra-time and played on for another 35-40 minutes.
"We have to see how he is. He's a player for the big games."
Meanwhile, Redknapp revealed Armand Traore missed the game with a hamstring problem.
