Northern Ireland international provided both assists for Rs in victory over Posh

Queens Park Rangers manager Steve McClaren heaped praise on Conor Washington after the forward set up both goals in a 2-0 win at home to Peterborough United in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

Washington was one of six players to come into the starting line-up to face the Sky Bet League One club, and he certainly made his presence felt early on against his former employers.

A cross from the right by the Northern Ireland international led to the opener from Luke Freeman, while Washington played a great ball for Pawel Wszolek to slot home the second inside the opening six minutes.

Though he did not grab a goal, it was still an impressive display from the 26-year-old and one that pleased his manager.

“We brought Conor in because we felt we needed some energy and pace running in behind the defence, and he certainly brought that,” said McClaren.

“He got us up the field instead of being pressed and we had an outlet which he provided. He gave us a platform from that front.”

McClaren was equally pleased with QPR’s defensive display against Posh as the west Londoners collected their first clean sheet of the season.

Centre-backs Toni Leistner and Alex Baptiste ensured there was little to worry about for stopper Joe Lumley, who distributed the ball well as goalkeeper.

There will be tougher tests for the Loftus Road club defensively this term, but McClaren was nonetheless happy with his first clean sheet as QPR boss.

“I said to the boys half-time to go and score third, but make sure you keep a clean sheet,” he added.

“Clean sheets are very important; we’ve conceded three goals this season, of which one has been a flukey set-play into the top corner, one was offside and the other was a penalty that never was.

“Against Peterborough, we defended the box very well and that’s always a platform for any performance.”

QPR will find out who they will face in the Carabao Cup second round on Thursday night, with the draw to take place live on Sky Sports following first-round tie between Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday.

The second round sees the 13 Premer League clubs not involved in European competition, as well as Sky Bet Championship sides Stoke City and Swansea City, enter the Carabao Cup.