Eyre rejects Warnock's cup stance

Rochdale manager Steve Eyre has refuted Neil Warnock's claim that he was pleased QPR had been dumped out of the Carling Cup.

Npower League One club Rochdale departed Loftus Road with a surprise 2-0 victory through goals by Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Gary Jones in each half. Warnock, frustrated by the groin injury sustained by Bradley Orr, responded by saying he had was happy they were no longer in the competition and that it should be revamped.

"Neil didn't say before the game that he doesn't take it seriously," Ayre said. "To field a front line that has Adel Taarabt and Jay Bothroyd tells me it was taken quite seriously."

He added: "It's still a fantastic competition. Wembley is an amazing place to play football.

"We're not going to start saying we're going to the Carling Cup final, but I can't believe a player wouldn't want to play at Wembley. I spoke to Neil after the game and we shook hands. I think he's a fantastic man. I know he's someone I can call on and respect.

"What he says goes because he's done plenty more than I have. I'm very proud of my players and we're delighted to be in the next round."

Warnock showed his regard for the competition by making eight changes to the side that won at Everton and was frustrated to see one of survivors, Orr, depart injured in the first half.

QPR supporters seemed to share their manager's low opinion of the Carling Cup as only 4,775 turned up.

"I don't think people do care about the competition and you've got to look at why," said Warnock.

"We've lost an influential player who played really well on Saturday in Bradley Orr. For what? We're not going to win the cup."