Manager Mark Warburton has suggested that Seny Dieng may not go straight back into the Queens Park Rangers side.
The goalkeeper is currently away from the team as he is competing for his international side Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
In his absence, the club have signed David Marshall from Derby County. Warburton has claimed that Marshall could be in line to keep his spot in the team, even with Dieng soon to return to the club.
“If there are more performances like that then it’s Seny who’ll have to be patient,” said Warburton, via West London Sport.
“David wanted to come and play. He didn’t want to just sit on the bench and be kind of fodder for Seny – he came to push Seny all the way.
“David has immediately showed his quality and his character. From the first day at the training ground he showed his professionalism.
“He was immediately well liked by the players – he communicates well with them and uses the experience he’s gained over the years.”
Marshall didn’t make an appearance all season for Wayne Rooney’s Derby, but he immediately came into the QPR side upon his arrival.
The Scotland international made his debut in a crucial 1-0 victory over West Brom on January 15.
QPR have won both matches that Marshall has started, with another three points coming against Coventry City last weekend.
Those wins have moved QPR up to fourth in the Championship. The Hoops are five points adrift of the automatic promotion places, with two games in hand on second place Blackburn Rovers.
Up next for Warburton’s side is the visit of Swansea City this evening.
The Verdict
Competition is healthy for any position in the squad. Two equally worthy goalkeepers will push each other as they vie for the sole spot in the team they can occupy.
This can only be good for QPR’s promotion push. To have two reliable goalkeepers gives them an advantage over almost all of their rivals in the top six.
Dieng has performed well for QPR this season, but given Marshall’s form it will be hard to drop him, especially given he signed specifically to play as a starter.
Most managers will be jealous of Warburton’s selection dilemma, but he will have to manage both players’ egos in order to balance squad harmony.