QPR striker Matt Smith was delighted to produce a trademark header in the pre-season game with FC Union Berlin.

The big forward will be an important player against for the Hoops next season, not only for his ability in the final third but also in defensive situations at set-plays.

QPR lost 2-1 to the German outfit, but there were plenty of positives to take, with the new season kicking off in less than two weeks. ide.

Smith rose to meet winger Yeni Ngbakoto’s cross and will be looking for more against AFC Bournemouth this Saturday.

“Scoring breeds confidence so that’s always nice - one counts for little in pre-season though," said Smith, speaking to the QPR website.

Joy: Matt Smith

“I’ve had pre-seasons where I’ve not scored goals and hit the ground running at the start of the season, and I’ve also had times when I’ve scored a few in pre-season but not been amongst the goals once the campaign kicks off.

"The goal counts for nothing, but it was nice to score, of course it was.”

“It was a well-worked goal; a good build-up and a decent cross into the box from Yeni. I managed to get up ahead of the defender and head it home.

“I’m in the team to provide a threat and feed off deliveries like that into the box.Balls like that are my bread and butter and long may that continue.”

It's the final pre-season game against Bournemouth this weekend before the big kick-off with Reading on August 5.

Indeed, Saturday marks commemoration of Rangers legend Stan Bowles, who is suffering with Alzheimers.

“We’re looking forward to getting back to our stadium,” added Smith.

“We’ve done a lot of travelling in pre-season so we’re excited to be back playing at our home ground, which I can say a group of players we really enjoy playing at.

“It should be a great day for the fans to pay a special tribute to a special player, who is widely-regarded as one of the best players QPR have ever had.”