QPR forward Jamie Mackie stays positive in relegation fight
Jamie Mackie insists there are reasons to be optimistic as QPR continue to scrap for their Premier League survival.
Last Updated: 04/02/13 9:51pm
QPR are bottom of the table and six points adrift of safety after being held to a goalless stalemate at home by Norwich City on Saturday, but Mackie says it is not all doom and gloom at Loftus Road.
He has been encouraged by QPR's recent defensive stability and hopes they will soon start turning draws into victories.
"It's a disappointing result because we need wins but we've got to stay positive," Mackie told QPR's official website.
"We're not getting beat, we're not shipping goals in, so we've got to take the plusses from that."
Mackie was impressed by the performances of QPR's new boys against Norwich, as Christopher Samba and Andros Townsend were handed starts by Harry Redknapp and Jermaine Jenas came on in the second half.
"It was good for the new lads to get a run out, they're only going to help the squad," said Mackie. "Things are certainly looking better for us.
"Andros is direct and he's willing to take players on, that's what we need. And when you've got someone like Bobby (Zamora) on the pitch, you need deliveries into the box and Andros put a few balls in. He looked lively and he's a youngster so he plays with no fear."
The arrival of Samba has come as a particular boost to QPR after Ryan Nelsen left the club to become boss of Toronto FC.
"Nellie has been absolutely tremendous for us, as has Clint Hill, so we needed someone to come in and replace Nellie and luckily we have managed to do that with someone of Chris's stature," said Mackie.
"He's a monster, a powerful boy and hopefully he can score a few goals for us as well. If we can hang the ball up not too many people are going to beat him in the air."