Mark Warburton has high hopes for his QPR players ahead of this Saturday’s Championship clash against Preston.

The Rs’ rotten run continued on Tuesday as a 1-0 defeat against Sheffield United left them five points adrift of the play-off places.

Boss Warburton expressed his frustration and disappointment after a fourth loss in a row but hopes his team can bounce back at Deepdale this weekend.

He said: “I know individually and collectively the quality that they possess, and I’m frustrated for them because there is no lack of effort or no lack of application.

“There’s no lack of preparation, it’s just about dealing with the situation now and that’s my job as a manager, to stick together and find ways to win games.”

Striker Lyndon Dykes has been out of the squad for seven weeks, while midfielder Chris Willock has also been ruled out for the rest of the season following a major injury which has left the team without two of their key attacking assets.

But despite the challenges, Warburton’s mentality is to stay positive and adapt around those setbacks.

He added: “Injuries are part and parcel of football, albeit we’re getting hit really hard, we’ve got to find a solution and a way to win games of football.

“What we have to do is win games. It’s not about the style right now, it’s about winning games and making sure we get the points on the board.”

“It is difficult with a tight squad and we can’t afford to lose so many players.

“There is anger and frustration but that doesn’t mean there is a lack of desire to get the job done.

“We have to keep the faith, keep the belief and keep on working hard and we have to show it.”

With six games to go, QPR remain in the play-off hunt and are five points behind sixth-place Sheffield United.

The Rs are currently sitting in ninth position, while Saturday’s opponents Preston are four places below in 13th after a hard-fought 1-0 win over local rivals Blackpool in midweek.

In their previous meeting, QPR came from behind to seal a dramatic 3-2 win as goals from Dykes, Jimmy Dunne and Ilias Chair capped a memorable comeback.

Warburton, 59, was grateful for the support of the fans ahead of the game and added: “We’ve had a tough few weeks for the team, but their backing is always appreciated.

“They want to see their team win, our job is to give them that.”