Harry Redknapp praised his players after their derby victory over Fulham – and declared that QPR will stay up if they can maintain their current form.

Rangers’ first league win of the season lifted them off the bottom of the table and means they remain unbeaten since Redknapp took charge of the team.

Adel Taarabt’s two goals – one of them a superb solo effort – eased the gloom over Loftus Road and raised hopes that the R’s can escape the drop.

Redknapp said: “We deserved it. We were the better team and it would have been a travesty if we had conceded a second goal in that final few minutes.

“When you’ve not won it’s difficult and after Fulham scored my players must have been feeling ‘Oh my God’.

“It must have been difficult for them. But we hung in there and got what we deserved.

“At least it keeps us in there. If we hadn’t won today it would have been absolutely desperate. It’ll be hard but we’re on a good run – unbeaten in four matches.

“We’ve got six points from four games and if we keep getting that, we can stay up.”

And Redknapp hailed Taarabt – a player he sold while Tottenham manager and whose outstanding form helped keep Rangers up last season and could again be crucial this time around.

“He has fantastic ability. Amazing talent. We knew he had talent at Tottenham. He was amazing today,” said Redknapp.

“I decided I had to get him in the position where he wants to play. He’s been playing on the left and I moved him into the ‘hole’.”

Before the game Redknapp met club chairman Tony Fernandes for the first time since he was Tottenham boss.

“I’m pleased for him. The owners are really good people and they deserve to succeed here,” said Redknapp.

See also: Jol criticises players after derby defeat

Superb Taarabt gives QPR first victory

Taarabt was told off ahead of derby victory

QPR v Fulham player ratings

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