Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has admitted that it is "difficult" to leave veteran defender Rio Ferdinand out of his starting lineup, but praised his professionalism in accepting the omission.

Ahead of the R's game against Aston Villa, the former Tottenham Hotspur boss opted for a centre-back combination of Steven Caulker and Richard Dunne.

Redknapp told reporters before the match: "It is always difficult leaving Rio Ferdinand out of the team, but he is a fantastic professional, he accepts it, I have just decided to give the other two lads in defence a go.

"I want to see the same work rate again, same intensity. We are at home, there is a good atmosphere and we just need to make sure we give it a real go."

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