Alex Smithies has hailed defenders Alex Baptiste and Jack Robinson, saying they both deserve 'a great deal of credit' for the job they've done.
A number of injuries at QPR have led to the former Middlesbrough and Liverpool acting as makeshift centre-backs, a job which shouldn't be overlooked.
Speaking to GetWestLondon, he said: "I think they’ve done really well.
"Both of them are naturally full-backs as opposed to centre-halves and have lined up directly in front of me. They both deserve a great deal of credit because I’ve been fairly quiet in games.
"Jack Robinson especially, coming back from such serious injuries and suffering setback after setback, he’s put in some top performances and a string of 90-minute matches which will give him some confidence."
QPR are currently on a run of five games without a win, and although many would see this as unfortunate based on their performances, Smithies says he is hoping that he can play his part in guiding the team to victory.
When asked about his form this term, he said: "I’m happy enough. Keeping more clean sheets is something that I personally want to do and I’m finding frustrating. Collectively as a team we know we need to keep more clean sheets and that’s disappointing.
"But if you compare this season’s opening games with last season I’ve probably had less saves to make, which is a positive sign. We know we’re not far off being a good team, and if we start scoring when we’re on top we could start having some positive results."
