Russell Martin explains Morgan Whittaker's QPR absence…

Russell Martin explains Morgan Whittaker's QPR absence amid Rangers interest as Swansea City transfer plans shaken up

Russell Martin says Swansea City's schedule of late took its toll at Queens Park Rangers but admits he's pleased his side battled to claim a point.

The Swans appeared destined for defeat at Loftus Road after Jamal Lowe struck against his former club in the first-half.

However, Jay Fulton rifled home an 81st minute equaliser in front of 2,100 away fans to earn the visitors a share of the spoils in west London.

Having had back-to-back away games in the Championship in addition to playing 120 minutes in an FA Cup third round replay against Bristol City in midweek, Martin praised the impact of substitutes Olivier Ntcham and Luke Cundle as the Swans rallied late on against the Hoops.

"I think we've had two tough away games, four points from them two, and in between that we've had to go 120 minutes," he said.

"We tried to manage it as well as we could but I think it had a little impact today.

"Happy with a point, of course. I thought we started the game really well, but we couldn't make enough of those opportunities.

"We concede a really poor one, it's a disappointing goal to concede, there's too big a distance between the back four in our own box.

"Even more disappointing was the mentality of the team after that. We went a bit timid, passive and slow. There was a bit too much disappointment from conceding the goal.

"The subs who came on were excellent, Luke Cundle and Olivier [Ntcham]. Fish (Andy Fisher) made a big save, albeit from our mistake.

"We haven't actually been penetrated too much by one of the best attacking forces in the league. Long answer, I'm pleased with a lot of it and a bit frustrated by some of it."

Morgan Whittaker did not feature at QPR after Martin revealed prior to the contest that the 22-year-old was set to be in the matchday 18.

The former Plymouth Argyle loan man told Martin he was not in the right frame of mind to feature against Neil Critchley's side amid transfer interest from Rangers.

"I did the (pre-match) press conference and received a text from Morgs saying he wasn't in the right frame of mind to travel with the squad, for a number of reasons," explained Martin.

"The situation hasn't changed, we haven't received any more bids from anyone. We have to respect that and be conscious he's a young man in a difficult moment. His wellbeing is the most important bit.

"He's got his family with him this weekend because he doesn't want to think about football and we'll assess the situation when we're back in on Monday and see where we're all at.

"It just means it'll be a slower process, him trying to get back into the team if he's still here in 12 days or whatever it is, which I envisage him being."

Swansea were dealt a blow during the draw with QPR as Steven Benda was forced off due to a knee injury in the second-half.

The German is set to undergo a scan to determine the extent of the problem, and Martin admits the Swans may need to reassess their transfer plans given that the club have little depth when it comes to the goalkeeper position.

"I hope he's OK, they're assessing him now," Martin said of Benda.

"It doesn't look horrific but it doesn't look brilliant either. We'll just have to get him scanned as quickly as possible and see how he is.

"Stevie tried to play on which probably hasn't helped it. But he's been brilliant for us.

"I hope for him and us that it's positive news. If we get the scan results back and it's a bit longer than we'd hope, then of course we're going to have a look at it.

"The first and second choice at the minute, Fish and Steve, are very young anyway, and beyond that we have Archie [Matthews] who has gone on loan.

"Webby [Lewis Webb] is here at the moment, we were planning to send him back on loan, so we don't have a huge amount of depth or experience there."

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