MARK Hughes leapt to the defence of skipper Joey Barton after he was booed off during QPR's 3-2 victory over Liverpool.
The midfielder was substituted just after the hour mark after a dismal display with the Rs trailing 1-0 at Loftus Road.
His replacement, Jamie Mackie , went on to score an injury-time winner to complete a stunning comeback for the hosts.
But boss Hughes insists his captain won't be affected by the tough treatment from his own fans.
He said: “Joey wasn't having the best of times. It wasn't happening for him so I decided to take him off.
“There might have been a few who felt the need to boo him.
“But he's strong and won't let it affect him. He's a big part of what we're doing.”
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