BOSS Andoni Iraola stated that the substitution of David Brooks and Chris Mepham at half-time during Cherries’ 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers was not because the Welsh duo were playing badly.

Welsh internationals Brooks and Mepham were handed rare starts as Cherries began their FA Cup campaign, but were both hooked at the break as Cherries trailed by two goals to Championship strugglers QPR.

An improved second-half performance saw Cherries comeback to win 3-2, courtesy of goals from Marcus Tavernier, Kieffer Moore, and half-time sub Justin Kluivert.

In the first half Brooks was tasked with dropping deep when Cherries were out of possession, forming a midfield three in a bid to man-mark QPR’s midfield.

However, this led to Brooks failing to get into the correct positions on the right-wing when the team was attacking.

Brooks and full-back Max Aarons were bypassed with ease for both of QPR’s goals, the away side exploiting the right-side of Cherries’ team.

Asked about the problems down the right flank in the first half, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think we were not attacking the spaces enough.

“We were asking for the ball to our feet too much. Sometimes Brooksy was finishing lower than Max.

“It shouldn’t be like this, because then after for the transitions, we are not well placed.

“But it was not a matter of one or two. I took Meps and Brooksy off, but it was not because they were the ones playing (badly).

“No, collectively we were not doing the things right. We had to take more risks.

“We put Lewis centre-back, because we needed to also improve in the build-up.

“But it was not a matter of this change or the other, it was a matter of the attitude and mentality that we started the second half I think.”