Newcastle United loan star in 'strop' as QPR boss addresses 'personality' ahead of transfer decision

QPR defender Harrison Ashby turned in what could be considered his best performance for the R’s since arriving on loan from Newcastle United last summer in the 2-1 defeat to Swansea City on Easter Monday.

The 23-year-old made a third consecutive start in the Championship for the first time since January and was one of the bright sparks for QPR in an underwhelming opening 60 minutes of that meeting. Ashby was awake early to calmly nod back a lobbed ball to goalkeeper Paul Nardi and earned his side a dangerous free kick within seven minutes when marking one darting run forwards.

The player’s eagerness to get forwards and affect the game caused problems for his former loan side Swansea City and Loftus Road erupted with applause for the full-back as he confidently dealt with the advancing Ronald just before half time. Ashby did pick up a yellow card just before half time having broken up a Swans attacking move and was the subbed off for Kenneth Paal after 52 minutes, to a rapturous applause from the home crowd.

QPR boss praises Newcastle United loanee’s ‘personality’

QPR head coach Marti Cifuentes tried to share words with the defender as he came off but, in a strop, Ashby pushed past his manager. When asked about that after the match, Cifuentes explained: “I love Ash's personality. He's so straight and honest, he wanted to play, he's playing at high level the last games, which I'm very happy about him because I think there is a big potential on him as a player.

“He's playing actually very good on the left side, which we know that naturally he's more right full back than a left one, but he did really well. Then we felt with a yellow card and having Ken on the bench [the sub made sense].”

Ashby has struggled for game time at QPR this season, coming in and out of the side and never nailing down a role in the starting XI. At times, it’s been frustrating for the Magpies man, who arrived at St James’ Park from West Ham in 2023.

Harrison Ashby future at Loftus Road unknown

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Ashby, who looks unlikely to be part of Eddie Howe’s first team plans next term, and it’s unknown if QPR will move for a permanent transfer. QPR also have Brazilian left back Esquerdinha coming through the ranks, having signed the player in January.

Ashby made his QPR debut against Crystal Palace in Carabao Cup action last September, managing 68 minutes as the visitors won 2-1 thanks to Eddie Nketiah and Eberechi Eze goals, with Sam Field on the scoresheet for the hosts.

Writing in the matchday programme ahead of facing Millwall shortly after that game, Cifuentes said: "We gave Harrison Ashby his debut for the club after signing on loan from Newcastle and I think he showed his ability. Harrison is an aggressive defender, he's got some important qualities to attack in the way we want to do it. Although he is just getting started after joining us pretty late in the transfer window, I am sure he will help us a lot."

In other news, QPR 'battle' to keep star amid Hull City interest as Alex Neil delivers Millwall reality check.