QPR goalkeeper Alex Smithies says that continuity in the squad is a real positive going into the new season.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the stopper says that the squad can be encouraged by his former club Huddersfield's achievements last season, and says the Hoops have a point to prove.

He said: “People thought they [Huddersfield] might struggle last season but they got promoted.

“It shows anything is possible. Despite the competitiveness of the Championship, a team like Huddersfield managed to get a squad together and built a style of play that has got them to the Premier League. That gives everyone a little bit of belief.

“They were able to compete well above where they were expected to. It’s similar to Leicester going against the odds and winning the title. This year teams are spending a lot of money and we are unable to. So we are going to have to prove a few people wrong.”

Smithies also spoke about the club's work in the transfer market, saying that having a consistent squad can only be a good thing.

He said: "We have got a big squad anyway and people are back from loans like Ariel Borysiuk.

“Will people come in during the window? I am not sure. The positive is that this squad have worked together for a year now and we know each other.

“We have worked as hard as possible on fitness, so we will be a fit squad,” said Smithies. “And we have worked hard to put a few things right from last season.”