Tuesday 28 October 2014 15:19, UK
Goalkeeper Rob Green hopes QPR’s win over Aston Villa will inject fresh belief into the squad before the west London derby with Chelsea.
Charlie Austin scored a goal in either half as the R’s secured a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Villa on Monday night, moving them to within two points of safety in the Premier League.
This result is a timely boost for Harry Redknapp’s men as Saturday’s daunting trip to Chelsea is followed by a home clash against reigning champions Manchester City.
The victory gives us that little bit of a lift going into two tough games. If we hadn't won, you'd be looking at the next two games with a bit more concern.
There have been only brief glimpses of vulnerability from the Blues, who lead the table after an unbeaten start to the season, but Green believes the performance against Villa has proved QPR can trouble their close rivals.
"It is pleasing to get the win, I'm delighted for everyone," said the experienced goalkeeper, who regained his place after recovering from illness.
Two tough games
"It gives you that little bit of a lift going into two tough games. If we hadn't won you'd be looking at the next two games with a bit more concern.
"I think games at home in this respect are key so it is that bit more pleasing. It reinstalls the belief you've got.
"Particularly at home, you play against teams and if you really give it a go and put it to teams then sometimes they can't come up with answers.
"We asked questions of Villa going forward quickly, hitting Bobby Zamora and stuff like that and it proved fruitful.
"In that respect it is finding a way to win games, finding a way to cause problems and believing in our own ability as much as anything. If it means killing games off after an hour then so be it that is the sort of thing you have to do."
If it means killing games off after an hour then so be it, that is the sort of thing you have to do
Summer signing Rio Ferdinand has been left on the bench in the last two games, with Richard Dunne taking his place in the heart of defence.
The Irishman earned praise from Green after he proved a calming influence in the backline alongside fellow centre-back Steven Caulker.
"Dunney is Dunney - he gives his all," he said. "He's great at what he's great at and he's a great player to play behind because you know what you're going to get.
"He is consistent in that respect. You look at something like the play-off final. He came off man of the match and proved his worth.
"You could have signed him on a 10-year contract off the back of that game. I think Dunney was in fantastic form against his old club."
