QPR boss Cifuentes hopes to be able to call on new recruits for Sheffield United test

Marti Cifuentes is hoping to be able to field new signings Karamoko Dembele and Koki Saito in QPR’s game against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Rangers completed the loan signings of the two wingers on Tuesday, with former Blackpool man Dembele travelling with the squad for the 2-1 win at Cambridge United in the EFL Cup without featuring.

Japanese international Saito is awaiting confirmation of a work permit before he can feature.

Cifuentes has been light on options on the flanks since the summer departure of Chris Willock, and is keen to get his new additions involved at Bramall Lane.

“They (Dembele and Saito) will bring skills and qualities that we were looking for,” said the QPR head coach.

“Both of them bring good quality on one-v-one’s, they have proven to create goal chances in their short careers as young players.

“I am happy to add players that can develop because they are at an age where they can contribute to our performances but also we can help them to grow as players.

“Both of them are coming from different situations. Karamoko is coming from his team in France, where he played four friendly games [during pre-season], he has been playing a decent amount of minutes.

“We will see how he responds to training tomorrow but he’s looking at a good fitness level.

“Koki is coming from the Olympics [with Japan]. He had one week off before arriving here, so he’s not stopped that long but he needs to get back to training every day.

“The performance team has been evaluating them over the last few days and I don’t think it will be long before they start to help.”

The arrival of Dembele and Saito could well impact the early-season game time enjoyed by Rangers academy graduates Alfie Lloyd and Rayan Kolli.

Lloyd started the victory at Cambridge after Kolli had done the same in the opening Championship fixture against West Brom.

However, Cifuentes is adamant that the two youngsters will not automatically fall down the pecking order at Loftus Road.

“It’s up to the players,” he said. “If we sign a new player they will not just go straight into the 11, they need to show the quality and show that they are ready.

“In that case I don’t care if they are 37 or they are 17, [and] I don’t look at the transfer fee.

“I am very happy to give opportunities to academy players that really deserve it.

“Alfie had a good game against Cambridge and Rayan got an assist in his first start for the club [against West Brom].

“It’s good news for the club that there are academy players performing and contributing for us. It is totally up to all of them, that applies to Koki and Dembele [as well].”

The two wide men are the latest additions in a summer recruitment drive that has seen eight new faces arrive in W12 with 14 players also leaving the club.

A 3-1 defeat to West Brom in the opening game of the Championship season proved a disappointing way to start the new campaign, but the QPR boss called for patience before the trip to Sheffield.

“The idea is we are trying to bring players that adapt naturally to what we want to do and to my football idea – that is the target,” said Cifuentes.

“Hopefully it will help to adapt quicker and then it is about adjusting to the relations on the pitch with the other players.

“I am very aware that it will take some time before this team can start performing at its highest level. It’s the natural process of all football teams.

“How long will it take? I don’t know. It may take a few weeks or a few months. But it will take some time before we see the picture that we would like to have.”

Cifuentes options could be further boosted by Saturday, with Ilias Chair set to be assessed as he continues his recovery from a bruised bone in his back.