QPR manager Ian Holloway paid tribute to Kazenga LuaLua, who played in their 2-1 win over Hull City despite the death of his father.

LuaLua, on loan from Brighton, was beaten in the build-up to Hull’s goal and substituted in the second half.

But Matt Smith levelled on 75 minutes and fellow substitute Idrissa Sylla bundled home an injury-time winner and Holloway said: “Our fans won’t know that LuaLua’s father passed away last night and he still wanted to play.

“It was tough out there for him and that’s why I took him off. He blamed himself for the goal but he didn’t mean to do that. He’s a really good fella.

“On a personal level, I played the day I lost my dad and it’s not easy.”

Holloway hailed Rangers’ fighting spirit, which was highlighted by James Perch refusing to come off late on despite being injured.

Holloway added: “They are in a great place at the moment. That was character.

“James Perch did his knee and I wanted him to come off and he wouldn’t come off.

“I should be happy about that but part of me wants to tell him off for not doing as he was told. It shows the spirit we’ve got.

“They’re learning as a group and I’m loving what they’re doing at the moment. I think our identity’s coming.

“It won’t be the best looking at times but we’re going to build a name for ourselves for not giving in.”