QPR boss Chris Ramsey admits defeat in Adel Taarabt saga

QPR boss Chris Ramsey admits he hasn't got time to coax the best out of Adel Taarabt with his side fighting relegation.

The Moroccan midfielder is still a fans' favourite at Loftus Road, thanks to his sublime natural skill, but he has failed to help Rangers' plight this season and is constantly hampered by minor injuries. 

"It's frustrating because he is one of the best players in the Premier League when he's fit and we need him," Ramsey said.

"When he played for QPR a few seasons ago he was in the Championship and he was in better condition and winning games for the team. 

“When that happens you have to be part of the team and everyone has to pull in together so unless you are winning a game single-handedly - like he was - you have to join the work-rate of the other players. 

"When he has played he has done that to be fair to him. He's desperate to stay up and do well, I respect and admire his ability."

Taarabt spent time on loan at Fulham and AC Milan last season but neither club wanted to sign him on a permanent deal with his attitude frequently questioned.

Commitment has never been the playmaker's strongpoint but the R's head-coach is keen for Taarabt to rekindle his career soon.

"I hope that at some stage in his career he regains the form he showed at earlier at QPR because he should be playing for a top team in a top country, like he did at AC Milan, because he is capable of playing on that stage," Ramsey said.

"I think many a person has tried (to nurture him) but it has to come from within. At the moment I haven't got the time to spend on him when I have to get the rest of the squad to where they need to be."