Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Warburton knows he will be resting players for the FA Cup third round tie against Swansea – but that doesn’t mean he isn’t taking the competition seriously.


Rangers go into the game having secured a 6-1 win over Cardiff on New Year’s Day and will want to use the momentum to progress further than last season, having been knocked out by Watford in the fifth round.

But the R’s are well aware of the threat of their Welsh opponents, having already been beaten by Steve Cooper’s side at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, losing 3-1 in August.

And with the gruelling festive period forcing Warburton to use his squad on Saturday, the QPR boss knows beating Swansea will be a tough ask and is urging his players to be up for the challenge.

“I think it’s a fantastic competition,” said Warburton.

“The history of the FA Cup, all of us as kids growing up. What a great competition.

“We want to respect it but at the same time you have to use your squad as I’m sure Swansea will do.

“But we want to win the game and Swansea will come here and play their style of play.

“They’re a very talented team and we have to respond to the challenge.”
 


QPR were forced to play the last ten minutes of their 6-1 victory over Cardiff with ten men as Toni Leistner had to be brought off due to tightening, leaving Warburton to admit he has had to be particularly careful with his players over the Christmas period, his side having played four times in just 12 days.

“Data tells us that fatigue is impacting them massively and we’ve got to look after young players,” added the QPR boss.

“We looked after Brighty, kept Toni on and two minutes later he’s got tightening.

“Grant had some tightening and all over the park players are struggling because of the demands of the schedule.

“We have to try and look after them the best we can.”