QPR manager Mark Warburton has insisted that the rest given to left-back Ryan Manning over the past weeks was behind his impressive weekend performance.

The 23 year-old has performed well so far this season but his form had dipped in recent weeks, returning with a vengence on Saturday as The R's beat Stoke City 4-2 at The Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Speaking after the match on Manning's impact, Warburton was quick to emphasise the importance of the rest.

"Sometimes players have to come out. Ryan played the first 24-25 games," Warburton said, reported by West London Sport.

“Sometimes you have to freshen it up a little bit. Some players you pull out and they’re good for it.

“Ryan showed that. He worked hard, defended well and showed good quality in the final third attacking-wise.”

QUIZ: Can you remember the scores from QPR’s first 12 games of this season?

QPR found themselves 2-0 down inside 30 minutes thanks to goals from Sam Clucas and Tyrese Campbell, but through Jordan Hugill and Ebere Eze they went in level at half-time.

The second period was all about the R's as Bright Osayi-Samuel finally put them in front following a period of dominance before Illias Chair rounded things off in injury time.

It is a result which leaves them in 16th place, moving 11 points clear of the relegation zone in the process.

The verdict

I have long said that QPR fans need to trust Mark Warburton this season and he proved his worth again on Saturday.

He has almost fallen victim to the fast start he had this season, with fans now frustrated when they fail to pick up all three points, but has kept his head throughout and it is showing now.

The West Londoners are in a period where they need to stabilise and that could last maybe next season too. But it will be well worth it when they are out the other end.