QPR news: Julien Stephan warning, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday transfer race, player boost | OneFootball

All the latest news surrounding QPR

QPR put their recent losing run behind them with a 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Leicester City last Saturday.

Goals from Harvey Vale and Ronnie Edwards were sandwiched by an own goal from Ben Nelson, leading to the Hoops overturning a 14th minute strike from Jordan James.

This ended a four-match losing streak, and opened the gap to the relegation zone to 11 points with just eight games remaining.

The London outfit have 50 points from 38 games, as they look to improve on last year’s 15th place finish under Martí Cifuentes.

Rangers haven’t earned a top 12 place in the Championship table since 2022, coming 20th and 18th in the other years since.

Here we look at all the latest news surrounding QPR ahead of their clash this weekend at home to Portsmouth…

Julien Stéphan’s 50 point warning

Julien Stéphan has warned his QPR players that the win over Leicester last weekend won’t be enough to ensure their survival on its own.

The Frenchman has claimed that the 50-point mark might not be enough to remain in the Championship, and that his side will need to win two or three more in order to feel secure in their position within the division.

"I don't think 50 points is enough,” said Stéphan, via the BBC.

“I think we need more, probably two or three more to be sure.

"Probably my answer could be different if Oxford, for example, or West Brom, had lost their last games, but it was not the case.

“So I think we need one more win.

"And after that, when we will have 52 or 53, the next challenge is to have most possible point at the end of the season."

After Portsmouth, QPR will face the likes of Watford, Preston North End and Bristol City once the league resumes following the March international break.

Jon McCracken transfer chase

QPR have already turned their attention towards the summer transfer window, even if they don’t feel 100 per cent secure of their Championship status.

According to Football Insider, the Hoops are one of three sides in the second tier eyeing a move for Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and thus will be available as a free agent.

QPR are keen to bolster their options between the sticks, but they face competition from Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday.

But he could yet remain with the Scottish side by agreeing a contract extension beyond this summer.

QPR injury boost

Stéphan has provided an injury update ahead of QPR’s clash with Portsmouth this weekend, and it’s positive news for the Hoops.

The 45-year-old has claimed that January signing Justin Obikwu could be in line for his debut for the club after picking up a shin injury following his arrival from Coventry City in the winter market.

“He trained this week and will train on Friday,” said Stéphan, via West London Sport.

“We need to continue to rebuild him physically because he has not played for a long time.

“But it’s an option for me to involve him in the 20 players.

“He’s not ready to start the game, but perhaps ready to play some minutes if we need him.

“We will continue after the international break and the next weeks to rebuild him physically.

“But it’s an option, yes, for the next game.”

QPR clash with Millwall will be televised

It has been confirmed by the EFL that QPR’s trip to face promotion-chasing Millwall will be televised next month.

The Hoops will travel to their London rivals on 18 April for a 12.30pm kick-off, with the Lions hoping to still be in contention for a top two place in the table.

Stéphan’s side could yet play an important role in deciding who earns a place in the Premier League for next season when they take on Alex Neil’s side.

QPR have already been selected for TV for their home fixture against Bristol City on 11 April, which will kick-off at 12.30pm, so this will make it two games in a row chosen for the early afternoon slot on Sky Sports.