Late Massimo Luongo goal earned Rs share of the spoils at home to Rams in Championship

Queens Park Rangers youngster Paul Smyth believes the Loftus Road side were good value for their point against Derby County in the Championship on Tuesday, writes Ned Keating.

Massimo Luongo headed home a late equaliser for the Rs to ensure a draw after Andreas Weimann put the Rams ahead near the end of the first half.

Despite Derby pushing for the play-offs this term, it was QPR, sitting in midtable, who dominated possession and created more chances.

It was certainly an improved display from Ian Holloway’s men following a 5-2 loss at home to Nottingham Forest on their last outing.

And Northern Ireland youth international Smyth believes the point was the least the Rs deserved against County.

“The boys gave absolutely everything and kept going for the 90 minutes,” the former Linfield man told the QPR website.

“We stuck to the task and in the end we got a late goal to get a point which was well deserved.

“We’ll take the positives out of the game, because there were plenty, and move on to Saturday.”

“It’s great when the fans are encouraging you — it makes such a difference. They really drive you on.

“They take their time to come here and support the team, so I’m pleased we could give them something to celebrate late on.”

Smyth has been something of a revelation for QPR in 2018 since making his debut in the win at home to Cardiff City on New Year’s Day, netting the winner for Holloway’s men in that game.

The ex-Linfield man has quickly become a favourite with the Rs fans for his displays that have been typified by an exemplary work rate.

And the 20-year-old is keen to give those supporters more reason to cheer with a victory at home to struggling Sunderland this weekend.

“I love playing at Loftus Road, so Saturday is another big game for us,” he added.

“We want to finish this season as strongly as possible. Obviously the league table will look a lot healthier if we win that one — and that’s what we intend to do.

“If we apply ourselves correctly, as we know we can, we’re confident we can get a positive result.”