Steve McClaren sees patience paying off as QPR prepare for Millwall test in fine form

Steve McClaren believes QPR are being rewarded for their patience off the field after turning things around following a dreadful start to the season.

Rangers lost their opening four Championship games and McClaren was under growing pressure before an upturn in form.

They host Millwall tonight unbeaten in three matches and McClaren said: “We knew we were going to have to be patient in the transfer window and the loan market. We were patient.

“We knew we could not build a team early but now we have a team that can compete.”

McClaren expects a “very explosive game” against a Millwall side who are without a win in four Championship games. He said: “We know what Millwall are all about, they play to their strengths.”

Millwall conceded an 89th-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Leeds on Saturday but Lions manager Neil Harris was encouraged by their performance.

Harris said: “We have to take the performance from the Leeds game into QPR as a stepping stone.”