QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth believes his side can go and 'upset the odds' at Southampton this weekend.

R's travel to St Mary's Stadium to take on a Saints side who have taken seven points from a possible nine since their relegation from the Premier League last season.

Ainsworth's men won at Cardiff, after a heavy opening loss at Watford, but were beaten by newcomers Ipswich Town, following their promotion from League One, at Loftus Road last weekend.

But the boss told qpr.co.uk: “Let’s give everything we possibly can. We know the challenge ahead against Premier League players, but I know we can go there and upset the odds. So do our fans and so do the players.

“I’ve got a great squad, it’s 11v11. We can do this and I believe in the players so much. I’m proud to be the manager of QPR with our fantastic fans who follow us up and down the country.

“It’s been a really good week. There is a buzz around the place and I’m so proud of the boys for what they’re now doing.

“We’ve had one or two knocks, a couple of late goals against us. But we still believe and I think the fans could see what we’re trying to do against Ipswich.

“You’ve got the likes of Sinclair [Armstrong] firing, people like Rayan Kolli making appearances from the Development Squad.

“You couple that with the six signings I made, the experienced players brought in who will only get fitter, it’s going to be a good place to be.

“I just want to keep working with the players – showing the younger ones how good they can be with the older players running the dressing room for me.

“I’m excited and what a chance to go and impress on Saturday. I’d give my right arm to play in a game like this, as would the 3,000 fans we’ve got travelling. I’m in awe of you guys."

Ainsworth was expecting Sam Field and Chris Willock to return to training towards the end of the week, having been forced off along with Sinclair Armstrong against Ipswich.

And the R's boss had encouraging news on Lyndon Dykes and Jake Clarke-Salter too, adding: "Sinclair has been training. He came off with cramp and nothing else.

"Sam took a hell of a whack. Chris showed the player he can be. I expect them both to train.

"Lyndon is very close as well. He's a top guy who is so frustrated that he's been out, but he's going to play a huge part for us.

"Jake's a good player and keeping him fit is going to be important. Jake got through 45 minutes for the Development Squad and he's in contention, too. Things are looking up."