Scott Loach has revealed his frustration — but stressed he has no axe to grind — at being forced to play second fiddle to first-choice goalkeeper Dean Gerken.
Loach, set to make only his seventh first team start of the season in tonight’s FA Cup third round replay at Preston, said: "It has been frustrating, to be honest, but I’ve got to say that from a selfish point of view because just like anyone in the squad I want to play games.
"The manager had to make his decision at the time and he put Gerks in — and fair play to Gerks, I’ve got to hold my hands up and say he’s done very well. He’s a great goalkeeper and I get to work with him every day.
"We try to improve each other along with young Michael Crowe as well. There’s a great work ethic there and fair play to him, he’s taken his chance and while at the minute it’s hard for me to watch, at the same time I’m pleased for him because he’s a great guy.”
Loach soldiers on in the background, never giving less than 100 per cent in training and hoping to make the most of his rare opportunities to impress boss Mick McCarthy and perhaps regain his place from team-mate and pal Gerken.
He added: "I’m one of them that outside of football I try not to let it affect me. I try to only worry about football when I’m at football, if you see what I mean. I just try to keep myself fit and right when I’m away from football.
"It’s frustrating sometimes when I’m watching The Football League Show and I’m, like, ‘Oh, come on, I want to be on here’. But that’s life, I’m sure my chance will come round again and when it does I’ve got to be like Gerks and grab it with both hands.”
Loach insists he took no pleasure in seeing Gerken make a costly error, for which he later apologised, which gifted QPR their second goal in Saturday’s 3-1 league win over Town at Portman Road.
He said: "People may think goalkeepers don’t get along but, if anything, we are the best of friends. We’ve all been in that situation and while we all want to play, at the same time you don’t want to lose.
"It was unfortunate for Gerks but, like I said to him in the changing room afterwards, he had won us two or three games over Christmas.
"At the end of the day we let three in but they weren’t all his fault and he can’t take all the blame. He was unlucky on Saturday but I’m sure he’ll put it right next time, as we all try to do when we get back between the sticks.”