QPR assistant manager John Eustace believes his side’s turnaround in fortunes in 2021 is testament to the efforts made by the whole squad in recent months.

The R’s had gone nine league games without a win before the turn of the year, as they started to look desperately over their shoulder at the relegation places below. 

But four wins out of five in January and February has seen Rangers give themselves some breathing space in the Championship, with third-bottom Sheffield Wednesday five points worse off. 

And Eustace has piled the praise onto the team after that recent good run of form, who have given their all on the pitch to ensure priceless victories over the likes of Blackburn and Watford in recent weeks.

“The lads have got to take full credit for it [the recent form]. They have been working really hard and they are the ones who cross the white line and put their bodies on the line,” Eustace told the QPR website. 

“They have certainly been doing that of late and everyone has been really pleased with the work we have been doing.”

The additions of experienced players such as Charlie Austin and Stefan Johansen in the January transfer window have certainly proved pivotal for Rangers, with the pair already showing their worth on the pitch in the last couple of weeks. 

Austin netted just 39 minutes into his second QPR debut away at Luton earlier in the year, before notching another in the 2-1 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road at the start of February. 

Former Fulham man Johansen has been as industrious as ever in his two matches since joining last month, and adds an extra dimension to the Hoops’ forward line with his vision and industry. 

With both players not having played much football before their moves to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, Eustace believes there is even more to come from the two new recruits.

And, as we reach the business end of the Championship season, the assistant boss knows every point will be crucial in keeping Rangers comfortable above the drop zone.

“The experience helps the group and it’s important that we get them fit because they are still a bit short of match fitness,” Eustace said. 

“In the last couple of games, Stefan and Lee [Wallace] have done well but there is still more to come from them. 

“Charlie is getting his fitness as well. Their experience has been great on the pitch and now it is important that we get them fully fit and firing for the last 19 games.”