Steve McClaren aims to build on QPR’s form after they extended their unbeaten run to three games in a week with their goalless draw at Birmingham.
It was a hard-earned point against a Birmingham side still seeking their first league win of the season after six outings.
With the exception of a brief early period, Birmingham struggled to assert their authority against a Rangers side which gained in confidence and very nearly snatched a late win when Matt Smith hit the post
“We need to build on this form as we are slowly and surely recovering from the opening four poor games,” McClaren said.
“After the West Brom game (a 7-1 defeat) we had to address our defence. We have talent but we need to keep clean sheets.
“I also think the squad is looking entirely different from three weeks ago. We have signed five quality players and as a result the squad looks better and stronger.
“We have worked a lot on organisation and discipline as I believe we are a good team with the ball.
“But we need to develop more steel in the side especially away from home as we have only four wins in 36 games on our travels over the last two years.
“So we have to credit the players and I am disappointed we didn’t get three points. They didn’t get the reward we deserved.
“Apart from the result and not scoring it was as good away performance as I’ve seen for a long time from the team.
“They didn’t have one really clear cut chance and my goalkeeper Joe Lumley didn’t have a shot to save.
“I thought Toni Leistner and Joel Lynch were very good in defence, while Eberechi Eze produced some great work on and off the ball.
“It means that we are in a better position than we were two weeks. When I look at the squad it can go forward.
“The key to getting a result was to dominate Birmingham’s two strikers and not allow their wide players come inside. We did that and controlled much of the game.”