Mark Warburton takes extra satisfaction from QPR’s win at Birmingham City

“To come here, to a tough venue and against a tough opponent in Birmingham who I have a lot of respect for, for the job Lee Bowyer does with his squad of players, we knew we faced a really tough challenge.

“But I was pleased that we got the early goal and controlled the first half. Seny Dieng was never really worked.

“In the second half, we knew they would come and press. But to get the second goal and the quality of it too was really pleasing.

“We made it hard for ourselves in the last 10 minutes by giving away a soft goal, but that’s the Championship and that’s what can happen when you come to a tough venue.

“It was a valuable three points for us. It was a fine team move. Albert’s effort, work ethic and application was there for all to see and that has to be a minimum requirement from everyone.

“In the case of Birmingham, for instance, you have to stop crosses, otherwise balls will come into your box and they have some very talented players to get on the end of them.

“It’s about hard work, application and preparing well in terms of analysis. A lot of work went into the game.

“It was a tremendous second goal from Chrissy. Him and the likes of Ilias Chair, the ball players, have that ability. They work hard to get into those areas.

“You saw the technique, balance and power, it was superb and we showed the other side of our game as well.

“Their goal made for a nervy last 10 to 15 minutes. But to come to this venue and win after three games in seven days – and a long trip to Bristol, too, the players deserve a lot of praise.

“It was a really good three points for us and now we have the chance of a day off as well.

“This time last year, we were 1-0 up with eight minutes to go and lost the game 2-1. We gave away two soft goals.

“We have improved as a squad and we’re working to get better. Birmingham’s goal was their only real attempt on target.

“We let ourselves down with one of those flighted balls in between our centre-halves and that made for a nervy final 10 minutes, because Birmingham are good at what they do.

“They have physicality and the ball goes direct and forward. They have runners and brought the likes of Scott Hogan on.

“But to get the three points, two away victories on the spin, is really, really pleasing.”

PICTURE: ROB AVIS