QPR’s boss reckons Armand Traore is neither one thing nor the other – and that’s exactly the reason he is ready to hand the Frenchman his best chance yet.

The former Arsenal player has led a checkered existence since he moved from north to west London in 2011.

But Harry Redknapp intends to start with a 3-5-2 formation against Hull City at Loftus Road, and Traore is exactly what he's looking for.

“Traore is half a left back and half a left winger, that’s what he does. He’s really a wing back, so it’s perfect for him, he couldn’t have a better position.

“And Jordon (Mutch) as well: he can run forever.”

New team look: Harry Redknapp

Redknapp is set to play three centre backs, in Rio Ferdinand, Steven Caulker and Nedum Onuoha, with Traore on the left in his new dual role and Chilean World Cup star Mauricio Isla on the other flank.

The manager admits he’s been itching to play the system since he arrived at QPR.

"The first year I was at Portsmouth, I played that way. It’s nothing new to me. I played that way at West Ham.

“I played it that way three or four times here last season, but it was difficult. I didn’t want to force it on them.

“I was surprised to see so many teams playing that way in the World Cup – I didn’t expect that. Seven or eight teams got through to the knockout stages playing that way but it was in my mind long before then.

“If it doesn’t go well, I’ll change.”

Practice makes perfect: France's Loic Remy (L) and Rod Fanni in training

Harry hopes Loic Remy will stick around long enough to see Hoops flourish at the second time of recent asking in the top flight, and is licking his lips in anticipation of his other Frenchman linking up with Charlie Austin.

“Loic can play wide coming in off the left or arriving from deep,” he said. “He’s not one to be on his own up front with a centre half booting lumps out of him, and doesn’t like it with his back to play.

“Charlie’s big, strong and physical and he will be a threat that way, and the players are happy with the system.

“Players are just pleased to be playing, whatever the formation.”

The hand of Hudd: The man in the middle who makes Hull tick celebrates with Sone Aluko in the Europa League

The manager believes he has bought wisely so far, and paid tribute to the man opposite him at the season's opener for exactly the same reason.

“Steve (Bruce) bought no brainers last season, Huddlestone and Livermore, and two forwards – they weren’t gambles: they are good players.”