QPR assistant manager Kevin Bond was delighted with Niko Kranjcar’s full debut after the Croatia playmaker shone in Rangers’ 2-0 win over Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Kranjcar, making his first start for the club since completing a season-long loan deal from Dynamo Kiev, produced a classy attacking display on the left of QPR’s attack.

Saturday’s win kept unbeaten QPR three points clear at the top of the Championship – and Bond said Kranjcar adds an extra touch of class to Harry Redknapp’s side.

“He’s absolute quality. He’s a classy, top level, national team player for Croatia,” said Bond. “There are not too many players of Niko’s quality in the Championship. No disrespect to other sides, we’re lucky to have him.

“You can see that when he’s on the ball and the time he gives himself. It was an excellent start for him.

“He wanted to come here and was desperate to play, which is fantastic. It was no coincidence with players like Niko in the side we clicked a lot better.

“When you get footballers in your team that can really handle the ball, you’re going to play better.”