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AS WE prepare for this weekend’s trip to Millwall, Mark Warburton has praised the impact of the senior players in his squad for the standards they have set this season.
Rangers go into Saturday’s game at the Den on the back of three straight league wins and Warburton says the attitude of the experienced players in his group has been pivotal – whether they have been on the pitch or not.
“I can’t talk highly enough of the role the senior players have played here so far,” Warburton told www.qpr.co.uk.
“There a number of London derbies. They have got to enjoy them and enjoy the experience. You enjoy that experience by winning. What do we have to do to win? The clearer that message is, the better we will be.”
While much is made of the physical nature of Millwall’s style, Warburton says Neil Harris’s men are worthy of greater respect for the way they play.
“We know how hard they work, how well organised they are and the quality they have within their ranks,” he said.
“We know what we face. I am full of respect for Neil and his staff and the job they have done.
“It is not just about being physical at Millwall, they have got very good footballers as well. We have to respect that and deal with whatever they give us. We have to stand up to it and play our game as well.”
The R’s will be backed by more than 2,000 fans in south London, and it is a level of support which Warburton will never take for granted.
“Their backing home and away has been essential to us,” he added.
“They play a key role. I mentioned it in my programme notes, I mention it to the media and I hope very much that it is never seen as a casual, throw-away statement because it is not – the role the fans can play for us this season is vitally important.”
Warburton says his squad is in “good shape” ahead of the game, explaining: “Lee Wallace is almost there, he is pushing hard.
“Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olamide Shodipo are back in training. Angel had a small injury but it’s about players working hard and the squad is fit and well.
“Charlie Owens has had an operation on his knee and he starts the road to recovery now. He was in a really good position and earned his place in the team against Portsmouth and on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday, it was fully deserved. We look forward to welcoming him back in the weeks ahead.
“Overall, the squad is in good shape right now.”
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Go Rangers let's smash them tomorrowComment
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I;m going for a comfortable 3-1 win.Comment
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Millwall forward Matt Smith on whether he will celebrate if he scores against QPR or Leeds and why he can have no regrets about Loftus Road spell
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Head to head
QPR wins: 20
Draws: 23
Millwall wins: 31 Team news
QPR: Charlie Owens (knee).
Millwall: Jiri Skalak (foot), Frank Fielding (quadricep).
Man in the middle
Liverpool-born Peter Bankes will take up officiating duties for Saturday’s London derby with Millwall. Bankes was appointed to the EFL referees list in 2014.
Marc Perry and Mark Scholes will be Bankes’ assistant referees officials, whilst Kevin Johnson will be fourth official.
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Feel like a kid on Christmas morning. Can’t wait. Any Millwall bods reading this be scared. Been practicing in the mirror all week. New stoney copped. Buzzing. JNComment
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It's gonna be a great day, beer, football, 3 points and 2k R's giving it large, " no one likes you cos your 5h1t☺️"
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Make some noiseComment
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Hoping for a win, but if Millwall win, you can get a decent return @2.70. Ł10 returns Ł27!Comment
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Any word on missing players Osayi-Samuel, Amos and Rangel?Comment
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Coyrs!!
Rangers Til I Die
follow me at twitter.com/arthurqprComment
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Come on you suuuupppaaaaComment
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This is going to be one hell of a game, I can see big Matt Smith getting one against us.
The way in which we've been playing has been amazing.Comment
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Decent test today.... we’ll have a deeper idea of our squad tonight...Comment
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