McClaren backs QPR players after defeat

QPR boss Steve McClaren praised his players after the 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

David McGoldrick’s first-half header was enough for the promotion-chasing Blades to inflict Rangers’ first defeat in six matches.

The visitors failed to muster a meaningful effort on goal until Luke Freeman fired wide late on.

Nevertheless, McClaren was pleased with their efforts.

He said: “I thought you saw two very good teams go toe-to-toe and really slug it out.

“There wasn’t a great deal in the game and both defences did well to restrict chances so it was always going to be a one-goal game.

“We’re disappointed to concede because I think it was from their only shot on target in the whole game so I thought our shape and the way we defended without the ball was very good.

“We tried to create opportunities and we had chances without actually going on goal.

“Our final ball today was not of the quality that it has been, so therefore you lose games.

“It is the first one in seven games, but it’s the Championship so we’ll dust ourselves down and go again at Preston next week.”