Rafa: Improved QPR side will be a tough game

Tyne Tees
Tyne and Wear
Teesside
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Tuesday 31 January 2017 at 4:19pm

Rafa Benitez is still hopeful of recruiting additional reinforcements before the end of the January transfer window Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire/PA Images

Rafa Benitez has hailed resurgence of QPR ahead of Newcastle United's game against them on Wednesday.

QPR are currently 17th in the Championship but have won three out of their last six games - the same as Newcastle.

QPR has not only changed managers but systems as well according to Benitez. Ian Holloway has replaced Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink since the Magpies beat Rangers 6-0 at Loftus Road.

After exiting the FA Cup at the hands of League One Oxford United, Newcastle now have the primary focus of achieving promotion from the Championship.

The Spaniard believes Holloway's experience will provide his side with a tough test ahead of Wednesday's game.

QPR may hand debuts to new signings Luke Freeman and Matt Smith signed in the January transfer window. They are also in talks to bring former Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison back to England from Lazio before the window closes.

Benitez is unaware of the future of goalkeeper Tim Krul. The Dutch international has been linked with Premier League side Watford FC after failing to impress on loan at Dutch club Ajax FC.