Steve McClaren hailed Luke Freeman after he inspired QPR to a shock 1-0 win over Leeds United.
Freeman was outstanding at Loftus Road, where Rangers ended a seven-game losing run and put a serious dent in Leeds’ promotion hopes.
McClaren’s side absorbed sustained pressure in the first half and struck three minutes into the second against their promotion-chasing opponents.
Freeman was outstanding throughout and Rangers manager McClaren said: “He showed his real quality and infectious enthusiasm that he gives to the team.
“When you’re looking for leadership and looking for people to have courage and take the ball, he’s got all that.
“He was our talisman tonight. There were a lot of heroic performances but his was incredible.
“He’s someone who can play at the top of the Championship, could play in that Leeds team and could play in the Premier League, so we’re delighted to have him here.”
The win took QPR up to 17th in the Championship table, 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
“We fought for each other tonight and that was the key thing. I was very proud of them,” McClaren said.
“We’ve been going through results that have been undeserved. We said to stay calm, not panic and that it will turn and get the luck.
“But you work hard for that and we worked hard. I thought it would take an almighty effort to win this game, but they were tremendous.”