Redknapp says his ‘gamble’ on Park paid off

QPR manager Harry Redknapp said a risky decision to play Ji-sung Park in the centre of midfield paid off against Sunderland.

Rangers’ 3-1 victory at Loftus Road boosted their survival hopes and set up a pivotal game at fellow strugglers Aston Villa next weekend.

They went behind before Loic Remy levelled with his third goal for the club, and second-half strikes by Andros Townsend and Jermaine Jenas sealed the points.

Redknapp declared: “It was a good performance. We started the game well and I thought we were the better side in the first half, but we suddenly found ourselves 1-0 down.

“They were the better team for 15 minutes or so in the second half but we got back in it and got two goals.

“I’m pleased Loic Remy is scoring goals – he’s a finisher – and it was a good all-round team performance.”

He added: “I took a gamble by playing Ji-sung Park as one of two in midfield – he usually plays wide or in a three. The two of them [Park and Stephane Mbia] were fantastic.

“We played with two out-and-out wingers and two strikers and I liked the look of us. We looked like an attacking force and that’s the best I’ve seen us going forward.”

Rangers remain four points adrift of 17th-placed Villa, who beat Reading.

But, coming after last weekend’s victory at Southampton, the win was another indication that Redknapp’s team may yet escape the drop.

He said: “We still need to have a fantastic run, but we’ve given ourselves a chance.

“We’re capable of having a decent run, so I think there are teams above us who may be sucked in.

“This win has done us the world of good and kept us in touch. We just have to keep being positive and have a go.”

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