QPR boss upbeat despite winless run stretching to nine matches following Leicester loss

Gareth Ainsworth claimed there were some “super performances” from some of his QPR players in their 2-1 defeat to Championship leaders Leicester City.

A late Harry Winks goal condemned 10-man Rangers to defeat after Andre Dozzell had cancelled out a deflected Stephy Mavididi opener.

QPR defended resolutely for much of the game with a makeshift backline, and only conceded the decisive Winks strike after Dozzell had been sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession.

“It was always going to be tough, but it’s still taken a worldy goal to beat us,” said Ainsworth.

“There were some super performances today. Osman Kakay kept Jamie Vardy’s influence to a minimum and the front three worked their socks off. The chances in the first half were in our favour.

“There wasn’t one centre-half in the squad today. Reggie Cannon, Kakay, Sam Field – I take my hat off to them. All three were playing out of position and had really good games.

“Naivety has cost us again. We put a plan in place, and it was working – but you need 11 men against top of the league.”

Despite the improved performance against a side that has won all but one of their league matches this season, QPR have now lost their last six and are six points shy of second tier safety.

They now face a vital trip to fellow strugglers Rotherham United next weekend.

“I feel for the boys,” said Ainsworth. “They’re getting the rough end of the stick at the moment, but I’ll back every single one of them – I’ll never hang them out to dry. The players need to know that I’ve got their back.

“We’ll learn from our mistakes.”

PICTURES: ROB AVIS