Rowlands is Holloway's right hand-man

Last updated : 14 November 2003 By Mark O' Haire

Ian Holloway has rejected suggestions that he should
move Martin Rowlands to the heart of Queens Park
Rangers midfield.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation on the right flank
this season, but many Rangers regulars want him, rather
than Marcus Bean or Steve Palmer, to partner Marc
Bircham in the middle.

The manager's response is short and sweet: "If we beat
Plymouth tomorrow we'll go clear at the top, so are we
getting too many things wrong? I don't think so.


"The fans can say what they want but I'm paid to do a job
to the best of my ability.

"You've got to have a balance, someone who can put their
foot in and someone who can play. You can't have
everyone sat on the piano stool trying to play.

"You've got to have a team who can carry the piano on to
the stage and one or two who can play it. That's been
QPR's problem, too many show-off soloists.

"Marcus isn't the best passer of a ball but is great
defensively. I wasn't the most popular player at QPR but
did a job so Ray Wilkins could play. I remember getting
booed at times, but couldn't give a monkey's because Ray
appreciated me."

Holloway is certainly appreciated as a manager and there is
a growing feeling the good times are back at Loftus Road.
Rangers have not lost at home all season. and the 15,000
crowd that will turn up tomorrow will give them a huge lift.

Holloway said: "The crowds are louder than when we were
playing Chelsea in the Premier League.

"When you think where we were two years ago,
sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe how far we've
come."

Bircham and Rowlands face late fitness tests.