Queens Park Rangers’ Matt Smith has praised Ian Holloway for making his team believe in themselves, reports the club’s official website.

Holloway replaced Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as the R’s manager in November, after an inconsistent start to the season under the Dutchman.

A difficult spell across December left QPR facing a potential relegation battle, but Holloway has used his experience in the Sky Bet Championship to guide the club to 15^th in the table and ten-points clear of the bottom-three.

QPR are currently top of the Championship’s form table, having only lost once in their last seven fixtures, where they have also recorded five victories.

Smith, who arrived at Loftus Road from Fulham during the January transfer window, praised Holloway’s impact on the squad: “The gaffer’s man-management skills are second to none.

“I’ve worked under a lot of manager’s over the last five or six years, but the manager here is right up there.

“The confidence he gives the players to go out and express themselves is incredible, be it on matchday or when we're training in the week.

“It’s not just empty words. The actions come to fruition. He makes you really believe in yourself."

Holloway’s side recorded a 5-1 victory over bottom of the table Rotherham United in their last fixture, and after the international break face back-to-back away games against Derby County and Aston Villa, where the Hoops will be looking to continue their magnificent form.

QPR fans… How impressed have you been with your club’s recent form? Let us know in the comments!