QPR are re-considering their plans to cut short Matt Smith's loan spell at the club following the departures of Nahki Wells and Josh Scowen yesterday, according to West London Sport.

It was previously reported that the Hoops were planning on sending Smith back to Manchester City following his failure to break into the starting line-up at the club, but it now appears these plans are being reviewed following two player exits.

The Rs were dealt a heavy blow with the news that Burnley have recalled top goalscorer Wells in order to determine his long-term future, while Scowen left the West London side to join Sunderland on a permanent basis last night.

It is now understood that these departures could create a pathway to more playing time for City loanee Smith, with the Wales international having only made 10 appearances since joining Mark Warburton's side over the summer.

The Premier League champions had been reportedly planning to send Smith to another club for the remainder of the season, but it is believed the Rs are now re-assessing his future with just four days left of the January transfer window.

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The Verdict

It is clear that Smith has struggled to impress Warburton since joining the Rs over the summer with the midfielder having registered just two league starts for the West Londoners, but Scowen's exit could now create an opening for the 20-year-old.

City will definitely want Smith to be playing first-team football in the second half of the season following his struggles during the first half of the campaign, so the Rs must decide whether they will be able to offer him this until the summer.

I would expect Smith to see an increase to his playing minutes if he was to remain at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, but I still believe the midfielder would be better served moving on from the Rs given he is unlikely to be a regular starter.

Smith could instead join a League One side on loan for the rest of the season, and he would surely gain more playing minutes by taking this route rather than remaining on the bench at QPR.