Stephan ready for 'big challenge' at Saints

Julien Stephan hopes QPR can repeat their heroics from Saturday's win at high-flying Hull City when they visit Southampton on Tuesday (20:00 GMT).

Following a run of one victory in six games, the R's won 3-1 at the MKM Stadium after a strong second-half showing.

Though they are 13th in the Championship, they are just four points adrift of the play-off places and level on points with the 11th-placed Saints.

"It's a question of mindset when you are away from home," Stephan told BBC Radio London.

"Physically we did very well in the (Hull) game and it will probably be the biggest challenge for us to be able to repeat the same thing physically just three days after, but if you want to show some consistency it's very important for us to be able to do that."

He added: "Southampton are on a good run, it's not a surprise, they have some very good players and I think the expectation for them is to be promoted.

"It will be tough but if we are able to repeat mentally and physically what we did against Hull we will have some chances. Let's see if we are able to do that, I really hope we can."

Stephan said he has learned the key to success in the Championship is to break out of a rut as quickly as possible, adding: "It's normal to have some up and downs. You'll have some bad moments sometimes and the ability to break these bad moments quickly is the key point in the Championship.

"The big lesson from the season for me, when you are in a bad run or after a bad game, switch immediately. You don't have to stay down too long.

"In the Championship everything can change very quickly. You have to shut out the noise and stay focused on your team and players and process."