Lynch says hard graft is paying off now

STEVE McCLAREN has turned things around at QPR – after bringing in punishing extra training sessions.

The former England boss lost his first four Championship matches in charge at Loftus Road.

But Rangers are up to 10th and two points off the play-off places after this West London derby.

And Joel Lynch, who scored QPR’s second, admits he is looking forward to a rest during the international break after being pushed to his limit by McClaren’s drastic action.

The defender said: “We didn’t start the season well at all, it was embarrassing at times. To change it around is good for us.

“But it comes on REF: the back of a lot of hard work. The manager added a lot more defensive drills and team shape and we really worked at it.

“At times it was shattering with the training sessions. But it’s really paid off now. We’ve not had many days off, it’s been really hard.

“When you go home with three points you don’t mind being tired. But it will be good to get a little rest now.”

There were calls for McClaren to go just weeks after succeeding Ian Holloway. Now Rangers have topsix ambitions.

Lynch said: “We can’t get carried away but it’s good people are starting to talk about QPR in more positive ways. We’re not putting pressure on ourselves, but it’s a confident dressing room now.

“Managers do get a lot of stick and being an ex-England manager a lot of people look at him. But he’s a brilliant coach and a good manager. Everything he’s taught us is working on the pitch.”

Brentford were ahead on 22 minutes thanks to Neal Maupay’s 12th of the season but the division’s top scorer was forced off with concussion just before the break.

Rangers took advantage, a scrappy Massimo Luongo goal, Lynch’s tap in and Nahki Wells’ finish coming in a 10-minute burst before Henrik Dalsgaard grabbed a consolation for the Bees.

It is now four defeats in five games under new boss Thomas Frank and Dalsgaard believes they shot themselves in the foot. He said: “We have to look at ourselves. At this level you can’t make mistakes.” QPR:

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