Steve McClaren hailed the “grit and determination” of Queens Park Rangers following their 2-1 win at home to Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Rs took the lead in just the fourth minute when Pawel Wszolek turned home a Jake Bidwell cross from the left.

Somewhat against the run of play, Boro drew level in the 51st minute when George Saville lashed home from the edge of the area.

QPR, though, hit the front against nine minutes later when Nahki Wells curled one past Darren Randolph from inside the box.

By beating Boro, current QPR boss McClaren was able to get one over the side with which he started his managerial career.

And the Rs chief was full of praise for everyone who featured in the success against Middlesbrough.

“I’m delighted with the win and I thought it was a great win, a great performance,” said the former England boss.

“We had grit and determination, but in terms of football we could have scored more goals.

“We defended resolutely right until the win and we needed the win; which is a big one for us.

“We were under pressure at times, but I don’t think Joe Lumley had a real shot to save.

“We had chances in transition to score more and have more shots on goal, but I thought it was a great team performance.

Those who came off the bench did their job and though we lost Joel Lynch just after time, it was a real tooth and nail performance.”

Wells was a real handful for QPR against Middlesbrough, causing the away defence all kinds of problems.

The Bermuda international hustled and harried the Boro backline, while he also always looked a threat whenever the Loftus Road club broke.

And McClaren was delighted with the on-loan Burnley man’s contribution in the victory.

“His movement against Middlesbrough was the Nahki Wells we know,” added the QPR boss.

“He’s a constant threat and constat menace for defenders, constantly running in behind.

“He’s holding the ball up better now and we’re better when hitting teams on the break in transition.

“We’re defending well and breaking well, so I was disappointed not to get a third goal.”