QPR manager Mark Hughes paid tribute to Alejandro Faurlin after the popular midfielder made his first-team return in the Capital One Cup victory over Walsall.

Strikes from Shaun Wright-Phillips and Bobby Zamora put Rangers in control before Jose Bosingwa marked his full debut with a goal to seal a resounding 3-0 win.

And the display by Faurlin, sidelined in January after suffering cruciate damage, was a major plus for Hughes, who brought Kieron Dyer on as a second-half substitute.

The Welshman said: “It was important for us and for him. He needed to get over that hurdle of playing the 90 minutes and I thought he did very well.

“He actually got injured the day before I got this role. It was disappointing because I’d seen him and admired him from afar.

“It was a big loss to everybody as he’d certainly have made an impact last year. We missed his guile on occasions.

“He looked good tonight. It was a long road back for him but he did everything in a really professional way.”

Hughes added: “I’m pleased for Kieron Dyer as it’s been a long 12 months out for him.

“Jose was another positive, so all round it’s been a very good night for us.

“We’re still in the process of coming together as a group. I feel we’ll become better every game we play.

“Tonight, though, we got everything out of the night that we would have wanted.”

See also: Faurlin returns as Rangers ease through

QPR boss hoping to wrap-up Cesar deal

QPR v Walsall player ratings

Manager Hughes explains Ephraim absence

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