SWP can set Hoops alight
By PAUL JIGGINS
Published: Today
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MARK HUGHES is backing SWP to lift QPR out of the bottom three.
Shaun Wright-Phillips has not exactly set the Super Hoops alight since joining them from Manchester City.
The winger was even barracked by a small section of Rangers' fans as the Premier League strugglers scraped a 1-0 win over League One MK Dons in their FA Cup third-round replay at Loftus Road on Tuesday.
But new Rs boss Hughes blamed SWP's dreary display against the Dons on tiredness.
And Sparky believes the England star will be back to his best for Rangers' relegation clash at home to fellow bottom-three side Wigan this afternoon.
Hughes, who managed Wright-Phillips at Manchester City, said: "It's not an issue from my point of view. I know the qualities Shaun has.
"The pace was a little bit low key against MK Dons but I think that was a consequence of us having played Sunday-Tuesday.
"I am quite comfortable we'll get a marked improvement against Wigan by virtue of having more time to prepare.
"And I'm confident he is still the player he was. I make no bones about it. In fact, I thought he was okay on Tuesday — one of our best players, in fact.
"Shaun is a great outlet for us. He gives us good energy and when he is flying he is fine. He'll create and convert chances."
Rangers' FA Cup victory over the Dons was their first win in 11 games.
They have not won in the Premier League since beating Stoke 3-2 away on November 19.
The last time they went that long without a win in the League was when they were relegated from the top flight in 1995-96.
Their current run has seen them drop to third bottom — just two points and two places above today's visitors Wigan.
Hughes said: "We are all mindful of the significance of the game — not only this one but maybe the next six or seven, eight games to be perfectly honest.
"They are key to how our season will progress and if we can get a positive result at the weekend then that will sustain us for the games we have ahead of us.
"We have a difficult run in and we are mindful of that. We need to get points on the board now.
"If we do, that will mean an improvement in performances and confidence. That will help us going into a difficult period against more accomplished teams in the Premier League. If we can start winning now, it will only help the boys."
www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4075754/Mark-Hughes-backs-Shaun-Wright-Phillips-to-help-QPR-up-the-table.html
