I under-estimated Cisse’s technical ability, admits Rangers boss

Mark Hughes admits he has been taken aback by Djibril Cisse’s instant impact at QPR – and concedes he may even have under-estimated the striker’s true quality.

Cisse has scored twice in three matches since signing from Lazio for around �3 million in January, and the former Liverpool and Sunderland striker has insisted there is more to come.

Hughes believes Cisse’s speed and physical strength make him the perfect foil to striker partner Bobby Zamora, and the manager is backing the duo to make the difference as QPR seek to avoid relegation.

“You see when you work first-hand, one-to-one with players the quality that they have, and the technical ability [of Cisse] is something which maybe I had not quite acknowledged,” said Hughes.

“I knew he was a very accomplished player, but his actual technical ability is very high standard. Given his power and pace, that’s a decent package for a striker in the PL.

“His ideal position is just off the shoulder of the last man. If you get him in that position and feed him with the right timing of passes then he will convert chances.

“The more [Cisse and Zamora] play in the same side the more the team gets used to the kind of balls that they want, and the better they will become. They each have scored a couple of goals in very few appearances, and I am pleased with what they have done so far.”

Cisse faces his former employers as Liverpool come to west London tomorrow night, and Hughes is anticipating another lively display from the Frenchman.

“Every player wants to make a good impression when they go up against their former club,” he added. “Djibril might gain an extra edge to his general play just because he’s playing against his previous club. Given that it’s one of the top clubs in the Premier League I’m sure there will be an extra spark.”

Follow me on Twitter @QPRTimes.