Speaking to The Football League Paper, QPR goalkeeper Alex Smithies has said that he's been disappointed by the lack of clean sheets that his side has recorded this season.

The men from Loftus Road will be back in action this weekend as the Championship returns to the weekend schedule after time off thanks to the international break.

And, if the R's are serious about a top six challenge, they need to get themselves going quickly and begin a consistent run of form.

For sure, they've dropped down the league after a good start to the campaign and it is clear that Smithies thinks that it is in defence where they need to improve.

The goalkeeper said:

"As a team we know we need to keep more clean sheets and that’s disappointing."

For sure, the men from Loftus Road need to get a few more clean sheets to get themselves up the table and Ian Holloway will be looking to address that.

A more consistent goal-scorer is needed up top too, though, with none of the R's strikers scoring more than a few goals so far this season, both ends of the pitch could do with some work in the near future.

The Verdict

The men from Loftus Road have had a steady start to the season but it is obvious there is a need for improvement.

Even so, the players seem aware of it and now it remains to be seen whether or not they can achieve what some have spoken about in recent weeks.

Thoughts, R's fans? Let us know below!