QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth previews Birmingham City clash

The R’s boss spoke to VAVEL ahead of tonight’s game between QPR and Birmingham City in the EFL Championship.

Queens Park Rangers face Birmingham City at St. Andrew’s tonight in Championship Friday night football.

The R’s seemed set to continue their dismal home form this season, having already lost three of three in all competitions at Loftus Road.

This came after Josh Ginnelly put Swansea ahead inside the first ten minutes on Tuesday night, and it appeared that the lead would hold as the game approached the end.

However, an equalizer by Lyndon Dykes in second-half stoppage time gave QPR a point.

The R’s travel to Birmingham City this evening, and head coach Gareth Ainsworth spoke with VAVEL before of the encounter.”

Ainsworth on QPR’s “optimism”
There is no denying that the atmosphere at QPR has improved since Gareth Ainsworth took over.

Many people’s tip for relegation this season, the R’s are now 20th but have a four-point margin between themselves and the drop zone.

A last-minute equalizer in midweek demonstrates that his squad is fighting for him, something he appreciates.

“It’s what we are, the DNA is running firmly through the boys now of never giving in and emptying the tank,” he started.

“I don’t want to keep talking about it, but I’m going to show it now.”

“There is a palpable sense of optimism in the air.” Even though we’re in 20th place, I’m keeping the boys upbeat because I’m confident we’ll be ascending this table shortly.

“Once again, the performance was outstanding. Everyone could see it, I believe. We just need to get a little better at hitting the target.

Lyndon Dykes, a Scotland international, scored his first goal for QPR this season on Tuesday night.

Ainsworth believes he will reach double figures in goals this season in the Championship.

“Lyndon is a very experienced professional now; he’s played many international games and hundreds of club games.”

“He won’t feel the pressure.” He was expecting that (the goal), and he is confident in his abilities.

“The injury against Norwich was devastating for both him and me.” Lyndon appears to be back to full fitness again, which is fantastic.

“He looked very sharp when he came on and will undoubtedly play a significant role this season.”

I’m tipping him for double digits. To not try to fool him or instill confidence in him, I honestly believe Lyndon will earn double digits this year, and I believe he’s been starved of some service over the years.

“We don’t get in the box enough, we don’t get in the final third, we don’t get in those areas of goal scoring enough.”

“Lyndon’s going to enjoy playing this way, and it was a fantastic header.”

Ainsworth’s side faces Birmingham City tonight after a trip to St Andrews on Friday.

While they have studied what the Blues do, the QPR manager hopes his team will concentrate on what they can do.

“Last year we were way out of games, thinking what can I do here?

“What I came into is totally different to what it is now.

“The games have been close, and that’s a sign that we’ve been very tight at the back.

“It’s a real quick turnaround, as it is for Birmingham.

“It’s a very close league. There’s not much in it at all.

“They’re going to be tough. They’re going to be physical and strong, we know that.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re really up for that challenge, but also we don’t want to get away from some of the football we’ve been playing.

“I think we’ve been very threatening and looking very dangerous going forward.

“It’s just that final bit, can we just seal the deal and that’s what I’ll be working on in the next couple of days.”

QPR travel to Birmingham City today, September 22, in a 20:00 BST kickoff at St. Andrew’s.