Socceroo Massimo Luongo has drawn the praise of manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink following QPR’s emphatic 3-0 win over Rotherham in the English Championship.
Hasselbaink, appointed in December to replace interim boss Neil Warnock, hailed Luongo’s willingness to the ‘dirty stuff’ in an impressive 90-minute performance at New York Stadium.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a rare starting appearance for the R’s – his first in the league under Hasselbaink – and flourished in central midfield, setting up Matt Phillips for his side’s second goal.
“He is somebody who likes to get on the ball, who can influence strikers and who can pick a pass,” Hasselbaink told westlondonsport.com
“On the other hand, he needed to do the dirty stuff – and he did. That was pleasing to see.”
Elsewhere, Bailey wright played a full match as Preston North End secured a 1-1 draw away to Ipswich Town. Tommy Oar was an unused substitute for the Tractor Boys.
On-loan Rhys Williams continued his comeback from injury overnight with the defender getting through 59 minutes in Charlton Athletic’s 6-0 loss away to Hull City.
In League one, Socceroo James Meredith played 90 minutes and set up the winner as Bradford City edged Oldham Athletic 1-0 at home.
The fullback whipped in a cross to the back post which was met by midfielder Tony McMahon who buried it into the far corner just five minutes into the second half.
Elsewhere, Shane Cansdell-Sheriff played a full match in Burton Albion’s 2-0 win away to Coventry City, while Chris Herd was substituted at half-time in Chesterfield’s 3-1 loss to Wigan Athletic.
In Holland, Rostyn Griffiths was withdrawn in the final 20 minutes as Roda JC Kerkrade lost 1-0 at home to AZ Alkmaar, with Daniel De Silva coming off the bench in the 84th minute.