Stephan hails QPR’s character and explains substitution

Julien Stephan felt QPR showed great character in their 1-1 draw at West Brom.

Rangers, without a number of key players, including Ilias Chair and skipper Jimmy Dunne, defended well at The Hawthorns against an Albion side that were top of the Championship ahead of this weekend’s matches.

Stephan said: “I think when you come and play the leader, face a team in very good confidence, it’s really important to be strong on the basics and the foundation, and I think our defensive organisation was brilliant.

“The players did very, very well defensively. Usually we are better with the ball and we are able to create more danger. Today it was a little bit difficult for us.

“I consider this to be a great point and it’s probably a good sum-up of the mindset and character of the dressing room.

“Even though we’ve had some bad circumstances, we don’t want to use excuses or complain. We want to fight and use this as an opportunity to show that character.

“That’s something we have tried to develop in the dressing room; in each difficulty you have to try to find an opportunity to show your character and personality, and to find a solution.

“First of all, no complaining, just ‘OK, this is the situation. We accept that and we compete and fight’.

Stephan also praised youngster Leon Scarlett, who came on as a substitute when Paul Smyth went off injured in the first half.

Winger Scarlett, who recently turned 17, was taken off late on, but the Rangers head coach was pleased with his contribution.

“I want to congratulate Leon Scarlett,” said Stephan.

“He came on and played great football. He’s only just 17 years old and he showed great personality and great character.

“The kid was very good, especially in the second half. It’s not a surprise for us – we know he has potential – but to show it in this context is really positive.

“I wanted to finish with two strikers for the last 10 minutes. I wanted to have that to protect our two central midfielders, and I thought it was possible for us to hurt them in behind their centre-backs.

“It was a tactical decision, not because he didn’t do very well.”