Hughes: QPR will take the League Cup seriously

QPR manager Mark Hughes insists that he will take the League Cup seriously this season and plans to field a strong side against Walsall on Tuesday.

The Rs kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 5-0 defeat to Swansea City on the opening day but recovered to post a 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Saturday.

And the 48-year-old has revealed that he has no intention of fielding an overly weakened team as his men look to continue improving.

"At this time of the year players should be able to cope if they are at the correct level fitness wise so I don't see any problems playing twice in a week," Hughes told reporters.

"Our priority is to win the initial games we are playing in. There are only so many competitions that we can progress in and win.

"Why give up a chance by fielding a weakened side and there is also a chance you might get embarrassed if you don't do it correctly.

"My intention is to ensure that the squad is used but also that we are strong.

"We are at home against lower-league opposition and it's important to hopefully progress and improve our performances again which will help us in the games ahead. We will use it as a benefit."

The Welshman did admit that he would use the game to experiment with his selection in some areas and hand fringe players an opportunity to impress.

"We will make a few changes for Tuesday because a number of players are itching to play like Shaun Wright-Phillips, who has not had an opportunity yet," explained Hughes.

"Jose Bosingwa will also play because more game time is important for him."