QPR manager full of praise for Hecky's Reds but lays down gauntlet to his players ahead of tonight's clash..
Reappointed as manager of the R's in November of last year, Holloway is approaching 900 games in charge as a manager across a career that has seen him take charge of Plymouth Argyle, Crystal Palace and Blackpool amongst others, and that experience has helped lift the Hoops into mid-table where he is now challenging his players to kick on for the remainder of the season.
“The lads have done well" he explained. "And they’re all playing to such a high level right now that it’s very difficult to pick my best team.
“I have challenged them now to go out and win another home game.
“Whether they’re starting or not, you want people to accept your decisions and be ready when they’re called upon – and the lads have been fantastic at that.
“That’s the Championship for you – you are only as strong as your bench, and we’ve all seen recently just how important it is to have a strong bench.
“We are a team that’s developing. I am delighted with everybody, to tell you the truth. A few months ago, we couldn’t score a goal. At the moment, I feel like we can at any attack.
“At the other end, my back five were as good against Cardiff as they’ve ever been, so they deserve a big pat on the back as well."
Holloway has been impressed with what he's seen of the Reds this season and was full of praise in his press conference for the job that Hecky has done at Oakwell but mindful of the threats Barnsley will pose his team this evening.
“This will be a very different game to the one on Saturday where we had to deal with (Kenneth) Zohore, and the long throws into the box." Holloway said.
“We are up against a team who play some of the most attractive, fast, free-flowing, transitional football in the Championship. They go from defence to attack at lightning pace.
“Are they one of the surprises of the season in this division? I’m not so sure about that – they were absolutely brilliant at the end of last season since Paul Heckingbottom took over.
“They had the best record of any team in England during that period, it was incredible. I watched them in the play-off final against Millwall, and they just blew them away.
“They have lost one or two players but have added some young ones, so well done to them for where they are.
“This is a great test for us. Can we beat a team like this?"
Tune into Barnsley Player HD for full match commentary tonight from Loftus Road.
