Hasselbaink salutes ‘Mr QPR’ after victory over Derby

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink paid tribute to Clint Hill after the veteran defender returned to the QPR side for their 2-0 victory against Derby at Loftus Road.

The 37-year-old R’s stalwart, who has been nursing a hamstring problem, was brought back into the starting line-up because of an injury to Grant Hall.

Hill had an excellent game at the back as Rangers picked up only their fourth win in 18 matches since Hasselbaink took over as manager.

Hasselbaink said: “Clint Hill came in and played with a little injury, played the whole game and was tremendous. He’s got a hamstring injury but it didn’t look like it.

“We all know that he’s Mr QPR. We all know that he loves the club and it shows in his performances that he cares.”

QPR keeper Alex Smithies’ throw led to James Perch crossing for Tjaronn Chery to volley home after 24 minutes, and Gabrielle Angella buried Matt Phillips’ free-kick at the far post with four minutes remaining.

It left Rangers nine points off the play-off places and still in with an outside chance of promotion.

“You should always dream, because that’s healthy. You should never lose that little kid in yourself,” Hasselbaink joked when asked if his team could yet reach the top six.

The Dutchman added: “I think we played ever so well from minute one until the last minute of the game.

“In the first half we dominated with and without the ball and scored a really magnificent goal.

“For the whole of the first half we were very in control. The second half was obviously different because Derby were pushing a little bit more.

“But we were solid and our shape was very strong. It was a very good response from the players.

“We could have done better on the break but that’s me being a little bit picky. Overall it was a great team performance.”