QPR have 'got to appreciate' one player under Julien Stephan - even if Hoops star is 'hot or cold' | OneFootball

Football League World's QPR fan pundit has backed their club to keep Paul Smyth despite previous exit talks

Queens Park Rangers have emerged as early play-off contenders this campaign, having lost just one of their opening eight league games, as French boss Julien Stephan will be grateful to one player more than most.

QPR signed zero new forward options this summer, having completed the bulk of their business in that area last year, as each of Rumarn Burrell, Koki Saito, Karamoko Dembélé, and Kwame Poku all joined the club on permanent deals.

It was a huge overhaul in West London, with few previous attacking options remaining, with Ilias Chair and Paul Smyth being the only two left standing.

Smyth, 29, joined in the summer of 2017, and between a series of loan spells with the likes of Accrington Stanley, Wycombe Wanderers, Charlton Athletic, and a permanent move to Leyton Orient, has become a key member of the R's squad in the past few years since rejoining the club in 2023.

However, with a plethora of attacking talent in their ranks, there were talks of his departure 12 months ago, which were washed away when he signed a contract extension on the eve of 2026, as his role in the squad remains a topic of discourse among the QPR fanbase.

Football League World's QPR fan pundit believes QPR should keep Paul Smyth, but in nothing more than a squad role

Action images

Football League World's QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir, has shared their thoughts on Paul Smyth, whether they think he is underrated, and whether they can see him staying at the club over the next few years.

Louis said: "Paul Smyth's a funny one, because I've been a big critic of his in recent years, and I still kind of am. I think he shouldn't really be starting many games, like maybe the odd game he can start, but I think coming off the bench should be his role now, considering the amount of quality we've got in those wide attacking areas, but he's obviously chipped in with a couple of goals.

"It's hard, because he's underrated in a way, but I think you know what you're going to get with Paul Smyth. You know he'll put in some good performances and look really, really good against certain teams. And then, a week later, he'll put in stinking performances and will get subbed off early on in the game.

"He's so hot or cold, Paul Smyth is, and, obviously, he loves playing for the club, and you've got to appreciate players like this. They give absolutely everything. You saw that against Preston at home; his goal was ridiculous, and he made an impact when he came on, but I just think in certain games he's going to be very beneficial for you, and in other games he's going to be even more beneficial for you when he's coming off the bench.

"I don't think it's that hard to explain with Paul Smyth. That should be his role, and realistically, he's obviously a good squad player to have around, I must admit that, but there's just been so many times watching him where I'm just, I get frustrated with him because he will either make the wrong decision, or he'll lack a bit of quality in the final third, and it's just so annoying.

"Will he still be at QPR in a few years? I mean, if we were to get promoted, probably not, I want to say. I'm not sure, but I can certainly see him being here; say if we don't get promoted this season, I can still see him being part of the squad next season. But then again, you know, him getting on, he might want guaranteed first-team football start in most games every week. So we'll have to see in the future with that.

"I'd say he's underrated in a way, but he should not be starting a lot of the time. He has a lot to give, and he's a valued squad member, I'd say that. You know he's going to pop up every now and then with a moment or a goal or something like that, so he's good to have in the squad for sure."

Paul Smyth has been an excellent servant for Queens Park Rangers

Action images

Having joined QPR over nine years ago, Smyth has gone on to make 160 appearances across all competitions for the club, scoring 15 and assisting nine, and whilst never putting up exceptional numbers, he has been an incredibly reliable servant.

The winger has rarely complained, and despite four separate loan moves and one permanent switch away from the club, has not withered in his loyalty to the West London outfit.

Important strikes against Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End already this season have justified Stephan's decision to include him in the squad so often.

Whilst Louis believes he is not up to scratch to start week in, week out in the Championship, they believe Smyth still has a role to play in the squad, and if he can continue popping up when the R's need him most, he could be a season-defining player.

Julien Stephan must consider Paul Smyth's role at Queens Park Rangers after Preston North End heroics

Action Images

With Smyth popping up twice already this season to save the day for QPR, it's no surprise why he has become such a regular in the R's side despite the perceived superior quality of talent ahead of him.

The Northern Irish international has made 130 league appearances for the R's since the start of the 2023/24 season, and given his ability to make an impact, it's no wonder.

The French boss will likely continue to use Smyth consistently moving forward, as the 29-year-old could play a key role in any play-off push Stephan leads QPR on this season.