Rs without a match this weekend ahead of trip to the Potteries on November 24

Queens Park Rangers may still be over a week away from their trip to Stoke City in the Sky Bet Championship, but Steve McClaren says he will use the upcoming international break to get his squad in the best possible shape to face the Potters.

The Rs are without a game this Saturday and are next in action on November 24 when they make the trip to the bet365 Stadium.

It means the Loftus Road club will have been without a competitive fixture for two weeks since beating west London rivals Brentford 3-2 at home last Saturday.

But McClaren is somewhat happy with the break from league action, even if he notes his team must continue to work hard over the international break.

“We were back to work on Wednesday to get prepared for Stoke,” said the former England boss.

“You can’t rest in this league and you need to keep your feet on the ground.

“What got us up the table is hard work crossing the white line, focusing, and that’s what they’re doing.”

The international break should also allow a few tired bodies in the QPR squad to get some much needed rest.

Geoff Cameron returned to the starting XI to face Brentford after missing the previous game at Blackburn Rovers with a slight injury, while Jake Bidwell, Luke Freeman, Ebere Eze and Massimo Luongo have started every league game this term.

Though Luongo is away on international duty with Australia, there are others in the squad who should benefit from the upcoming break.

And McClaren is aware how key the break from games is in ensuring his squad are as close to match fitness as they possibly can be.

“We’ve got quite a few who need to return, but there’s spirit in the dressing room we have to keep,” added the 57-year-old.

“We have to just keep going forward and have a break, but it’s another tough one, Stoke away, when we get back.”

When the Rs do visit Stoke, McClaren will hope Wells can get among the goals again after netting for just the second time this term with the third against the Brentford.

“I’m delighted for Nahki getting a goal. That’s what strikers are there for, and he’ll gain confidence from that,” said the QPR boss.