QPR head coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says foundations for the 2-0 win over Birmingham were laid by the visitors themselves.

By playing just one striker, the Blues allowed Rangers to make full use of their centre backs to good effect.

Goals from the recalled Tjaronn Chery and Junior Hoilett from the spot marked a dominant first half from Rangers containing enterprise in stark contrast with some of their dour showings at home this season.

Boss Hasselbaink claimed Birmingham’s preference for a lone hitman allowed his side to express themselves in a way which has not been possible playing against two where every first and second ball is contested.

“It was that kind of game that our centre halves could have the ball,” he said.

“They had only one striker so one of our centre-halves was free and they can then start to play.

Congrats: Tjaronn Chery (C) and James Perch (second left) take the plaudits

“But that was because we played against Birmingham. When you play against other teams you maybe have to do things differently.

“The majority of the games we have played against two strikers so it is harder to get that flow.”

Especially pleasing for Hasselbaink was scoring two goals against the playoff chasing Blues who had only conceded three in their last eight matches.

Chery was the catalyst of success – a perfect foil for target man Sebastian Polter as he teased and taunted the Blues’ rear-guard in the first half, capping his display with an exquisite turn and shot for the opening goal.

Hasselbaink confirmed his good big ‘Un and good little ‘Un had carried out the game-plan to get in from deep to a tee and he was delighted Dutch striker Cheri had grabbed his moment in the spotlight.

“Birmingham are a difficult side to get behind, so we needed to play with somebody to hold the ball and someone to come beneath him,” he added.

“That’s why we played Polter and Chery because we thought we could cause them problems in that way.

“Chery has been knocking on the door for a while, training really well and being very positive around the place, but I’ve been saying to him he has to wait for his opportunity and that is it.”

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