Queens Park Rangers have their goalkeeper, Alex Smithies, to thank for not being further down the league table this season.

The West London outfit have had an underwhelming season by their standards and find themselves just three points clear of the relegation zone at Christmas.

Ian Holloway has hit work cut out to improve things at Loftus Road and he will be targeting the January window to bring in a host of new players.

But his focus should be primarily directed towards keeping Alex Smithies at the club.

QPR were reportedly set to offer him a new contract earlier this month but he might be having second thoughts about staying.

The 26-year-old has been a mainstay and a key part of QPR's team this season after playing over 250 games for Huddersfield.

The 6'3'' 'keeper is a top shot stopper but he can also command his box, claim crosses and act as a "sweeper keeper" when balls are knocked behind the defensive line.

Being a goalkeeper with such a complete skill-set means that Smithies will be hot property coming into the January window.

Undoutbedly the former England youth international will be harbouring ambitions to play top flight football and maybe even push for a senior international call-up in the future and this does not look like it will happen at QPR.

The R's are at the wrong end of the table and don't look like they'll mount a promotion challenge anytime soon so Smithies could be convinced to leave if a Premier League club comes calling.

A few top flight teams could be interested in a move for the QPR stopper: West Ham's Adrian and Randolph have made a few mistakes recently, Bournemouth need a new goalkeeper and Stoke could bring another goalkeeper to the club in January when Lee Grant's loan deal expires.

QPR will do well to convince Smithies to stick it out with the Hoops.

QPR fans - what do you think of this? Can you keep Smithies in January? How much is he worth? Let us know in the comments below...