Leon Balogun's QPR absence midweek against Livingston has been explained by interim boss Paul Hall.

The stand-in gaffer has in turn shot down the chances of the Nigeria defender re-joining Rangers in the January transfer window.

Speculation was sparked on Monday, the day Michael Beale was confirmed as Gers gaffer, that Balogun could be in line for a return to Ibrox after he was left out of the R's friendly with Livi.

However, it has been confirmed that the experienced centre-back has yet to return to training after a minor calf strain in recent weeks.

Hall told West London Sport that the defender has not yet returned to training.

He insists that QPR won't rush the Nigeria international ahead of their return to league action later this month.

When asked about the absentees against David Martindale's men, he revealed: “They were just not ready at this moment and it just a case of working them back fit and hopefully they will be ready to return to training in the next few days.

"I just need to get these boys all ready for that game (against Burnley), that is what I have been asked to do."

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