QPR warned against "silly" Paul Smyth decision after Kwame Poku signing | OneFootball

FLW's QPR expert on the potential of a Paul Smyth exit.

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Paul Smyth only has one year left on his deal at Queens Park Rangers, and could see his game time reduced after Kwame Poku signed for the club.

The former Peterborough United man headed to Loftus Road after QPR won a hotly-contested race for his signature, while Smyth could be the man to lose out in the deal.

The Northern Ireland winger played all but three of the R's games last season, but after a poor output in terms of both goals and assists, he could be in jeopardy of losing his spot to the club's new star signing.

"I think it would be silly..." as QPR told to avoid Paul Smyth disappointment

FLW asked our QPR fan pundit, Louis Moir if the R's should cash in on Smyth or keep him as a back-up option with the threat of the 27-year-old leaving for a free transfer next summer.

He said: "I could potentially see Paul Smyth signing a new deal, he's more than happy at QPR. He loves playing for the club, that's clear to see.

"I have been a critic of his. With his pace and directness as a player that is crucial to have, but you look at the output, the goals and assists, there is nothing there essentially.

"If we want to move on and progress, we need better players in that possible. Obviously, we are doing that with the signing of Poku.

"I can see him signing a new deal, but it is whether he is happy to maybe become more of a bench player or an impact player, which is what he is best at to be honest. We have seen it a few times where he has come off the bench, he's probably the best player you want coming off the bench in certain situations.

"There could be potential he is used more as a left-winger this season, and that is where he was best at Leyton Orient instead of the right-hand side where we seem to have good options."

Louie said it would be "disappointing" if Smyth does not sign a new deal, and instead leaves on a free transfer next summer. He added: "If he was to add goals and assists to his game, with his pace and ability to get past defenders, he would be a top, top player.

"I think it would maybe be silly to cash in. There is an important part for him in this squad, maybe off the bench a lot more."

Kwame Poku adds extra dynamic for QPR

Poku has shone at Peterborough United, and while Smith managed six goal involvements last season, he secured 23 in a campaign where injuries prevented him from playing throughout.

In a deal worth a reported £900,000, Poku has added an extra dynamic to the R's team, inputting goals and assists to the wide areas.

While it is always a shame to see a player leave on a free transfer, that may be the case for Smyth next summer.

He has not provided enough in the way of goals or assists, and with Poku now challenging for his place at QPR there is only one winner in that battle for game time.