QPR manager Mark Warburton insists Millwall are more than just a long ball side ahead of their weekend fixture.

Neil Harris’s side have often been labelled as a ‘one-dimensional’ outfit but the Ranger’s boss believes they’re worthy of greater respect.

The R’s visit The Den as the Championship’s in-form team with three back-to-back wins propelling them to seventh in the league, and despite the Lions finding a win hard to come by in recent weeks, Warburton won’t be taking anything for granted in SE16.

“It is not just about being physical at Millwall,” Warburton told QPR official.

“They have got very good footballers, we have to respect that and deal with whatever they give us.

“We have to stand up to it and play our game as well.

“We know how hard they work, how well organised they are and the quality they have within their ranks.

“I am full of respect for Neil and his staff and the job they have done.”

Travelling Support

QPR fared well in the fierce London derby last season, taking four points from six in the league.

They played out a goalless draw at The Den last season, and the 2,000 fans Rangers are expected to take South Bermondsey will play a key role in the fixture.

“Their backing home and away has been essential to us,” Warburton added.

“They play a key role, I mentioned it in my programme notes, I mention it to the media and I hope very much that it is never seen as a casual, throw-away statement because it is not – the role the fans can play for us this season is vitally important.”

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'Positive start'

QPR’s visit could pit current Lions forward Matt Smith against his previous employer.

The target man spent two seasons at Loftus Road before his move across London.

The 30-year-old has netted twice this term in seven appearances, three of which from the bench.

Despite no win and just two goals in the previous four fixtures, most recently the 2-0 defeat at Blackburn, the striker remains confident and upbeat about the start to the season Harris’s side have made.

“I think it was a really positive start,” Smith told News at Den.

“The positive for us as a collective is that we feel we could be higher up the table.

“Particularly the Boro and Hull games we dropped points when we should have picked up all three in both cases.

“That’s only got to be a positive for the group, that we’re disappointed with the return, despite it being a really good start.”