I’ve got the experience to save QPR from relegation, says Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes believes his experience of saving Blackburn Rovers from relegation will prove crucial in his bid to keep Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League.

QPR mounted an impressive comeback against Liverpool to reverse a 2-0 deficit in a frenzied 13-minute spell with goals from Shaun Derry, Djibril Cisse and Jamie Mackie sealing a dramatic 3-2 win on Wednesday.

And Hughes, who took over at struggling Blackburn in September 2004 and managed to guide the club clear of the drop zone, is confident he has the necessary experience to mastermind QPR’s survival.

“We went through that experience [at Blackburn],” said Hughes.

“In my first season we were second from bottom and we ended up 16th. So my staff and I have gone through that and we understand what it takes to survive.

“I understand the Premier League, it’s where I’ve plied my trade for the last eight or nine years. I know what it takes to win Premier League games.

“We just need to make sure we get the run of form, and a bit of luck, and we’ll be fine. It won’t be easy because the opposition that we’ve got to face his tough. But we’re ready for the challenge.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy when I took the job. I feel more confident having seen the players that we’ll have enough to stay in the league this year.”

The 48-year-old replaced Neil Warnock as QPR manager in January, and the former Manchester City manager admitted he recognised the size of his task at the London outfit upon his appointment.

“I knew it was going to be a challenge when I took over the role,” he added.

“I’m enjoying it. I like being t a club that’s struggling at the moment but I know if we get through this period, we’ll be stronger next year.

“There are changes happening at the club every day. In 18 months or so we’ll have a new stadium and training ground hopefully.”