Steve McClaren has called for fringe players at QPR to step up as they travel to Middlesbrough to face Tony Pulis’ side with an injury-depleted squad.

The R’s head to the North East to face the boss’ former club without Angel Rangel and Geoff Cameron, who were both injured in last week’s 2-1 defeat against Leeds United.

Tomer Hemed is also set for a spell on the sidelines with a groin problem.

“That was a massive downer from the Leeds game, losing big players, important players,” McClaren told www.qpr.co.uk.

“And not just on the field, but off it too with their influence.

“Angel and Geoff are big blows with the length of time they are likely to be out. Tomer has been struggling for a while so it’s important we get that sorted as well.

“But this is an opportunity for others. We need to fill their boots now, that’s what we must do.”

Despite last weekend’s result at Elland Road, McClaren wants to see more of the same from his players.

His side lost by a single goal, which was a penalty given in controversial circumstances.

“I thought we gave a very good performance against Leeds and felt a little aggrieved by the manner in which we lost,” he said.

“The lads had the courage to go out there and play, and it was an excellent reaction to the disappointment of the Hull City game.

“I said to the players afterwards at Leeds that it’s all about the performance and showing courage, fight and grit, which they did.”

After the narrow defeat to the side in second place last weekend, it doesn’t get any easier this week for McClaren’s men.

Middlesbrough have lost once in their last ten and currently sit sixth in the table with the meanest defence in the league.

McClaren will be returning to his former club, who he managed from 2001 to 2006 when they were in the Premier League, where he won the League Cup in 2004.

He was expecting it to be a midfield battle against Pulis’ men.

“That’s why they are up there," he said. "They have good players and this is not going to be an easy game.

“We will have to stand up to them. They are very difficult to break down so we will need to win the midfield battle and defend our own box very well.

“This is a game where everybody - our players and the crowd – will need to be patient.”