QPR boss Ian Holloway saluted Yeni Ngbakoto after his impact off the bench led to victory over Cardiff and crowned a famous day for the club.

Fifty years to the day since Rangers’ Wembley League Cup Final triumph over West Brom and with many of the legends in attendance, the French youth international rose from the dugout to score the leveller and provide the assist for the winner as the hosts won 2-1.

Ngbakoto has dealt with personal tragedy this season with the death of his father.

But Holloway revealed the former Metz winger has put in unseen graft to get himself back in shape and present his manager with a selection headache.

“Yeni had a terrible bereavement when he first signed here and I felt that affected him, but he is one of our family and a joy to work with,” he said.

“He has been very patient. I’ve asked him to do some fitness work behind the scenes and he has lost all sorts of poundage.

“He has made another statement there hasn’t he – pick me gaffer.”

Rangers had been stunned by Sol Bamba’s headed goal a minute before the end of a first half in which the hosts had held the edge and hit the woodwork twice.

Their determination not to concede again at the start of the second half was typified by Joel Lynch’s goal-line clearance before Ngbakoto appeared to decisively turn the tide.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

It meant no triumphant return for twice former boss Neil Warnock, but Holloway was unstinting in his praise for his adversary in the dugout.

“They (Cardiff) have been in unbelievable form and that is no shock is it because you have to earn your stripes and Neil has won more stripes than most,” he added

“He has retired more times than anyone I have ever met and I’m pleased he is still in the game because he is a wonderful character.

“I am delighted to have beaten him. There wasn’t a lot between us and I’m sure he will be fuming, but our substitutes coming off the bench did make the difference today.”