QPR boss explains reasons for picking Polter and Chery

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said Sebastian Polter and Tjaronn Chery started against Birmingham because he felt it gave QPR the best chance of unsettling the visitors’ defence.

Hasselbaink recalled Chery to the starting line-up and opted to select target man Polter rather than January signing Conor Washington.

Both summer signings played key roles in the 2-0 win at Loftus Road, where Chery scored before Polter won the penalty that led to Rangers’ second goal.

“With Birmingham, it’s difficult to get behind them,” Hasselbaink explained.

“We needed to play with somebody who could hold the ball and someone who could come ‘underneath’ him.

“That’s why we played with Polter and Chery. We thought we could cause them some problems in that way.

“But if you are going to play with Chery, you have to try to pass the ball to him. You cannot play long balls.

“That’s against Birmingham – when you are playing against other teams you maybe have to do things a bit differently.”

Hasselbaink was full of praise for his players after seeing them win for only the third time in 16 matches since he took over as manager in early December.

“I’m very happy with the three points and hopefully we can build from here,” said the Dutchman.

“Today we were very good from back to front. From the first five minutes we had​ control, scored a brilliant goal and then the move for the penalty was very good.

“We scored at the right time. We were able to score two goals and that gave the boys a little bit more freedom.

“In other games we had opportunities in the first half and didn’t score, and then the other teams have started better in the second half.

“This time we managed to get the goals, and to score two and have other chances against a very good side like Birmingham is very good.

“I would have liked to have had more control in the second half but we had a good shape and could have scored to make it 3-0, so I am happy.”​