Alessandro Pellicori pressed his claims for a permanent deal at Loftus Road with a goal in the reserves’ 2-0 win at Kettering tonight. Elsewhere there could also be deals for Mikele Leigertwood, Damion Stewart and Gregory Vignal.

QPR travelled to Rockingham Road in a hastily arranged friendly against Conference side Kettering tonight. In dreadful weather conditions a selection of players who did not feature in the win at Wycombe on Tuesday were given a chance to impress – trialists Andy Marshall, Gregory Vignal and Alessandro Pellicori were all given starts as they press their claims for permanent stays in W12. First teamers Damion Stewart, Hogan Ephraim, Heidar Helguson and Adel Taarabt also turned out for Jim Magilton’s men. Kettering included former R Lee Harper in goal.

QPR took a tenth minute lead when Tarrabt fed Vignal whose cross from the left was headed in by Helguson. One became two when Ephraim’s low cross was controlled and hammered home by Pellicori. QPR were reportedly rarely troubled by the hosts and it remains to be seen whether the three trialists are to be given permanent contracts at Loftus Road.

QPR: Marshall, Ainsworth (Harris 70), Stewart, Oastler (Davenport 76), Vignal (Brown 45), Borrowdale, Ephraim, Alberti, Helguson (German 60), Pellicori (Parker 70), Taarabt (Rose 70)
Subs not used: Putnins

Assisting the first goal for Helguson and hoping for a permanent stay at Loftus Road is French left back Gregory Vignal. The 28 year old played at Wycombe on Tuesday and again tonight as he attempts to win a permanent deal at Loftus Road. Vignal told the BBC: “I want to come back to England and this is a chance for me to try to do that. I've got to show I've got quality to bring to the team."

Assistant manager John Gorman, who spent time with Vignal at Southampton, said: “Gregory is a good pro who has been at very big clubs. We spoke and he said he's willing to come here so we can have a look at him, although I don't need to look at him because I know he's a quality player.”

Vignal would be favourite to take the problem left back slot at QPR if he does sign, which could leave Gary Borrowdale still looking for his first senior appearance for the club. The former Palace man told the Kilburn Times: “I'm just trying to get my head down - having a new manager is a new chance for me to improve and it's up to me, the same as everyone else, to prove I'm good enough to get in that starting 11. When I went down to Brighton, the objective was to stay up, which we achieved, and it was a good experience. To be playing Saturday-Tuesday, which I hadn't done for about a year and a half, was really enjoyable. A new manager's always got different ideas - certain players might fit, others might not and that's how it always is. Some people like you and some won't think you're their type of player.

“Connors played there at the end of last season and did well and I think Fitz can go out there if it comes to it, so it's not as if I'm the only one who can play on the left. If anyone else plays there, I'll give them my support. The way we've been working in training, everyone knows the shape the manager wants to play so, if you're called on, you know exactly what's required of you.”

One player not coming to Loftus Road is Leicester striker DJ Campbell – linked with the club by numerous sources over the past week but ruled out as a target by manager Jim Magilton in the Kilburn Times today. Magilton said: “Absolutely not. We're constantly on the lookout - obviously Pellicori's come in as well, which gives me more options up front. At the moment we're just having a wee look at him through the rest of pre-season. Adel Taarabt's come in [on loan from Tottenham] as well and again he gives me another option. If we feel someone can add quality to the squad, we'll try and get them.”

Two players currently at Rangers looking to extend their stays are Mikele Leigertwood and Damion Stewart. The pair are both out of contract next summer but according to the Ealing Gazette the club is keen to agree new deals with them. The omnipresent “QPR source” said: “Of course the club doesn't want the double problem of either losing top players in the middle of the season or the transfer fees that go with valuable assets walking out the door for nothing.”

Leigertwood is currently sitting out pre-season with a thigh strain, along with Akos Buzsaky who has the same injury. Things look more concerning for new boy Alejandro Faurlin though – the Argentinean is to have a scan on his thigh amid fears he may have suffered a tear. He is to have a scan tomorrow with results hopefully back by the end of the week.

In former QPR news today John Curtis has joined League One side Northampton Town – although you may struggle to recognise the description of one of our worst ever players by Cobblers’ manager Stuart Gray. He said: “John has got a fantastic pedigree and we've seen his quality. His use of the ball is first-class and he has the knowledge to do the right thing at the right time. You only have to look at some of the clubs he's played for. He can play at right-back but can also do the holding role in midfield, and should be a big influence for us both on the field and in the dressing room.”

Elsewhere in the Championship today Newcastle United have been forced to deny rumours they are about to enter administration, and incur a ten point penalty. Newcastle have been able to offload only a couple of their massive earners since relegation. Crystal Palace have denied they are in for West Brom’s Craig Beattie, Billy Sharp has been transfer listed by Sheff Utd after two poor years at Bramall Lane, Nigel Pearson has refused to be drawn on stories linking Leroy Lita with Leicester City. Derby County won 3-2 at Notts County on Tuesday with Kris Commons scoring on his return from injury.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters