QPR boss Harry Redknapp denies freezing out Adel Taarabt.

Redknapp insisted that Taarabt remains part of his plans for the run-in, despite dropping him for the wins against Southampton and Sunderland.

But the Moroccan enigma impressed Redknapp off the bench against Villa and his match-winning qualities could be crucial for QPR in the coming weeks.

"He is a great talent but, like everybody, he has to work hard," Redknapp said.

"When you do what he can do you're never going to be consistent. The only one who does play like that is Lionel Messi but he works his socks off, too."