Holloway hoping Luongo is ‘freed up’ by first QPR goal

QPR manager Ian Holloway was delighted to see Massimo Luongo finally score his first goal for the club in the 5-1 thrashing of Rotherham.

The Australian midfielder, making his 63rd appearance for the R’s, netted his team’s fourth goal in a resounding win at Loftus Road – their fourth consecutive home victory.

Holloway said: “I’m delighted. The boy has been fantastic for the club and it (not scoring) does play on your mind.

“He’s been absolutely outstanding and all he’s needed is a goal. Hopefully that will free him up. He thoroughly deserves it.

“It was a header too – the lads are killing him over that, saying ‘How can you score with your head?!’

“It was very pleasing. The celebrations after it said a lot and the good news is that spirit is growing.”

Matt Smith put Rangers ahead after five minutes and Luke Freeman restored the lead following Joe Newell’s stunning equaliser.

Yeni Ngbakoto’s penalty four minutes into the second half made it 3-1, Luongo headed home eight minutes later, and skipper Nedum Onuoha netted in injury time.

“I didn’t enjoy the first half at all. We scored early and it looked like we thought we’d done enough,” said Holloway.

“We didn’t move the ball sharply or press, but luckily we managed to get another goal and then the second half I was delighted with.

“In the end we got what we deserved, but we’ve got to keep going.

“Let’s hope we can get a group of players who believe they can win on a regular basis.

“At the minute, our stats are telling me that’s what we’re doing.”