Steve McClaren faces a selection dilemma ahead of his side's clash with Middlesbrough this weekend in a fixture that could potentially kick-start their top six ambitions this season. 

According to West London Sport, Angel Rangel could be set to miss the clash with Boro with a muscle injury, which has ruled him out of training since the 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at the weekend.

This latest injury blow will come as hugely frustrating news to the QPR boss, with Rangel impressing in his short spell with the club.

His good run of form has seen him recently rewarded with a new deal until the end of the season, after his current deal was set to expire in January.

But the 36-year-old's latest injury worry is likely to be a blessing in disguise for a right-back who has seen his opportunities limited this season due to the good form shown by the Spaniard.

Darnell Furlong is the main candidate to replace Rangel in the starting XI for this weekend's game.

We look at the reasons why he is the perfect replacement here....

It's not like it would be a gamble to put Furlong into the starting XI as he has already shown that he can perform to the standard required in the Championship after regularly featuring last season.

The right-back made 22 appearances in total for QPR last season and was hugely impressive in the opportunities handed to him, and he certainly established himself as first-choice right-back before Rangel arrived.

Furlong has struggled with his own injury problems this season and can feel slightly hard done by having not being given a chance in the QPR starting XI this season.

Angel Rangel has been in impressive form this season, but it's surprising to see Furlong not given a run in the side for the Hoops.

He's a point to prove to his boss.