Warburton hails players after QPR trounce Cardiff

QPR manager Mark Warburton

QPR boss Mark Warburton was delighted to see his side make the most of their chances against Cardiff.

Rangers made a brilliant start to the new year, winning 6-1 in a one-sided game at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Nahki Wells scored a hat-trick, Bright Osayi-Samuel netted twice and there was also a goal for Ebere Eze.

It all came together for the R’s, whose season so far has been blighted by dropped points despite plenty of chances and possession.

“The one difference is that we put the ball in the back of the net,” Warburton said.

“The stats are the same as the other games we played, but today we were far more clinical.

“As long as we create chances, then come the end of the season we’ll be in a good place.

“It’s about creating quality chances and we’ve been doing that – look at the chances we’ve missed. Today we scored.

“Nahki has been struggling of late and that the striker’s life. I’m delighted at how he responded.

“Bright has that beautiful attribute of sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely, as he did today, he looks a real handful.

“He’s done it in spells, but today he did it consistently. He’s got that blistering pace. The key for him is learning how to use it.

“I’m delighted for him and it’s good for the crowd to see a player who gets them off their seats.

“We looked a very good team today. We’ve had good days and bad days. It’s about building on this.”

Osayi-Samuel was outstanding and his substitution with 15 minutes remaining was greeted with boos by some of the home fans who enjoyed his blistering display.

“I’ve never been booed at 6-0 before, I’ve got to say,” joked Warburton, who rested Ryan Manning for the game.

He added: “Bright came off because you’ve got to look after the young players.

“You’ve got to look after him. He’s a fast-switch (muscles) athlete – a power athlete who is rapid and has sheer pace.

“He’s great to watch but you’ve got to look after him. You can’t afford four to six-week injuries.

“These demands; you can’t be playing on the 21st, 26th, 29th – whatever it may be – without injury and fatigue kicking in.

“Ryan Manning didn’t play today because I’ve got to look after him. Data tells us that fatigue is impacting them massively, and we’ve got to look after players.

“All over the park players are struggling because of the schedule. We have to look after them as best we can.”

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