QPR and Newcastle United 'always' talking about loan star amid veiled Swansea City dig

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Newcastle United defender Harrison Ashby is enjoying a head-turning season on loan at QPR.

QPR and Newcastle United are in constant communication over the development of loan star Harrison Ashby as the full back begins to find his feet and impress at Loftus Road.

The 23-year-old joined the R's on Deadline Day in August and has become a mainstay in Marti Cifuentes' starting XI. The Catalan coach eased the Magpies man into action but he has now started five of the last seven in the club's upturn in form.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Newcastle United signed the player from West Ham in January 2023 for a meagre £3 million. The Scotland under-21 international is yet to make a senior appearance for the Magpies.

QPR and Newcastle United in talks over loanee

Ashby has been praised by Cifuentes and spoke about his relationship with the head coach in the matchday programme ahead of the 2-1 victory over Luton Town in the Championship on Monday night. Ashby said: "They [Newcastle United] are always asking me about how I've been doing and there's a good connection between the clubs, so they're asking people other than me as well. I hope good things are being said!

"Last year I was struggling with injuries and not getting the game time I personally felt I deserved, but I've got a good relationship with the gaffer here. When I came to QPR he put his trust in me, I put my trust in him and I hope that's going to carry on."

Harrison Ashby has become a key part of Marti Cifuentes' QPR side.Harrison Ashby has become a key part of Marti Cifuentes' QPR side.
Harrison Ashby has become a key part of Marti Cifuentes' QPR side. | Getty Images

Ashby spent last season on loan at Swansea City and appeared to land a veiled dig at his time in Wales. The defender missed a large chunk of the season with a hamstring injury but, when fit, endured a period in September and October when he was afforded just one minute of league action over seven outings.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Recent weeks have seen Ashby moved to play right-back for QPR due to injuries to centre-backs. Jimmy Dunne has shifted back to a central role, with the Newcastle United loanee impressing on the flank, forging a strong relationship with Paul Smyth.

QPR are unbeaten in three since that move to the right, drawing 1-1 with Norwich before a 3-1 win over Watford and then the 2-1 victory over Luton Town. Ashby was rated a 7/10 for his performance against the Hatters by LondonWorld.

Harrison Ashby has ‘footballing mind capbale of higher leagues’

The site wrote: "Caught out in the opening minutes by Zack Nelson and did look like he had a mistake in him. The moments when he races forward show his quality and a footballing mind capable of higher leagues. Still needing time to become that fully realised player."

Harrison Ashby had joined QPR for the season.Harrison Ashby had joined QPR for the season.
Harrison Ashby had joined QPR for the season. | Getty Images

Speaking about his positional change, Ashby said: "Going through the youth system, I always played in different positions across the back four - in fact I played centre-half at under-18s. So I see playing left-back as similar to right-back - it's just on the left! To have players like Jim, Foxy and Jake all in there helping me out has been a massive plus - I feel we've all come together as a group defensively and things are going well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I'm versatile and I don't mind if I play on the left, the right, or at centre-half or midfield. Whatever the gaffer needs me to do, I'm happy to help.

"Me and Smythy have had a good relationship since I came to the club, so getting the chance to play on the right is a big thing for me and having that relationship as strong as it can be should help the team."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice