Why Manchester United loanee Ethan Laird didn't play for QPR at the weekend

QPR head coach Michael Beale made the decision to leave Manchester United loanee Ethan Laird out of his plans for Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Luton Town because of a recent injury problem.

The right-back, who joined the Championship promotion hopefuls on a season-long loan deal in August, was a noticeable absentee for the trip to Kenilworth Road, as the Rs fell to their first defeat in six matches. They were terrorised by Luton strikers Carlton Morris and Elijah Adebayo and were 2-0 down by the time they got themselves on the scoresheet in second-half injury time.

Laird was forced off with what was described as some "tightness" in the 2-1 win over Reading just over a week earlier, although Beale remained hopeful that the United loan would be fit to participate in the trip to Luton. However, he failed to make the cut, meaning Leon Balogun took his place at right-back.

READ MORE: Inside Ethan Laird's QPR loan as Kyle Walker comparisons made

Ahead of the clash with the Hatters, Beale confirmed that Laird would be used sensibly off the back of his recent injury scare, pointing towards his side's three-game week. But he did warn that that he would pick and choose which games the youngster would feature in.

"Ethan Lard is touch-and-go, we need to use him wisely," Beale told QPR's club website ahead of the weekend. "He felt some tightness against Reading last Friday.

"He'll be available for all three games this week, it's just up to me which games I select him in. We've got to make sure we get the decision-making right with the staff."

It is clear, therefore, that Beale was not willing to take any risks with the former Swansea City man. QPR will be looking to get back on track and be able to call upon Laird's services when they