QPR’s dreadful start against West Bromwich Albion didn’t worry Joey Barton.

Rangers fell two goals behind after 20 minutes before Charlie Austin came to the rescue with a stunning hat-trick at Loftus Road.

Most teams would have crumbled in such a situation but Barton told his team-mates not panic as the Baggies have forgotten what it takes to close out victories.

Craig Gardner of West Brom is tackled by Joey Barton of QPR
Craig Gardner of West Brom is tackled by Joey Barton of QPR

He said: “I turned to Richard Dunne and said, ‘They’ve scored too early’.

“‘They don’t know how to win games – excuse the language – they’ll s*** themselves. They don’t know how to get over the finishing line.’

“Usually if you go 1-0 down in this league you’re in a load of trouble. I think we’ve gone behind on 13 occasions this season.

Charlie Austin completes his match-winning hat-trick for QPR against West Bromwich Albion
Clincher: Charlie Austin completes his match-winning hat-trick

“We’ve shown an incredible amount of character.”

Meanwhile, Bobby Zamora has urged the R’s board to give three-goal hero Austin a new contract to fend off interest from rival Premier League clubs.

QPR travel to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal on Boxing Day.