“Respect is paramount” says QPR boss on potential squad spat ahead of Sheffield Wednesday clash

The Rs are locked in midtable and face a Wednesday side desperate to claim another three points after their 5-0 thrashing of Cardiff earlier this week.

And speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Warburton faced questions on comments made by his right-back Todd Kane that seemed to disrespect his teammate Osman Kakay.

The two are in competition for a place in the side and on an independent podcast, Kane made no secret of his belief he is a better player than his positional rival before pointing out he was the subject of a £14m bid from Sheffield United while Kakay was playing on loan in the Scottish second tier.

Kane missed their Monday trip to Nottingham Forest, prompting suggestions it was a disciplinary measure.

“Todd had a stomach upset and didn’t travel to Nottingham,” Warburton said. “He came back in and trained this week. It was nothing more than the illness of a player.”

Asked about his response to Kane’s comments, Warbuton said: “I’m very aware of what was said. But what we speak about as a squad stays private. We’ll never disclose that.

“For me personally, amongst the squad and amongst the staff, respect is paramount.

“We’re in a very competitive business but it’s important to me that we all speak with respect.

“Speak our minds; speak openly and honestly, but in a respectful way. That’s how I’ve always approached any job I’ve been in.”

Warburton said he had been left ‘very disappointed’ with the decision to ban key man Austin for three matches after his alleged stamp on Forest’s Ryan Yates.

On the suspension of the Rs’ main man, Owls boss Darren Moore said: “Charlie is a real top player. He's somebody at the front end of the pitch that has got Premier League ilk. He's a real good talisman but they've got other people in there who can deputise for him. They've got other people who can play in there.

“I would imagine the dynamics will still the same with the team. We know it's another tough game and we have to be ready.”

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