Hemed confident he can help steer QPR away from danger

Israel forward Tomer Hemed is confident he can help turn QPR’s fortunes around after signing on loan from Brighton for the rest of the season.

The 31-year-old brings with him plenty of Championship experience, having scored 30 goals for the Seagulls over two campaigns in the second tier.

QPR have suffered four straight league defeats in their opening matches and they prop up the rest of the table.

Hemed is ready to tackle the challenges ahead, telling the QPR website: “I know the reason I am here.

“I’ve good experience at this level. I scored goals in the Championship for Brighton, so I know how to do it.

“I came here to score goals, but also to create chances for others and be a big factor in the attacking side of the game.

“I’ve done good things with Brighton and I can use my character to show that, even though it has been a bad period for QPR, we can do better every week.

“Of course I have to score goals, but if I can give a bit more confidence to the players after a difficult start, then I’m sure after one or two good games we can do good things together.”

Hemed joined Brighton from Spanish side Almeria in July 2015 and went on to help the south-coast club secure promotion to the Premier League during 2016-17, when he scored 13 goals.

QPR manager Steve McClaren believes Hemed’s qualities can make a real impact on the squad.

“He wants to come here not only to score goals for QPR, but help the team in terms of being a leader too,” McClaren said.

“He’s dropped down from the Premier League and he has come to us because he wants to play. He demands much of himself and much of his team-mates, as well.

“We are hoping he comes in and ups the level of our game.”