Smithies upbeat ahead of Birmingham game

Alex Smithies says QPR are confident they can win at Birmingham City on Saturday despite their recent struggles.

Ian Holloway’s side dropped to 19th in the Championship after losing 2-1 at home to Huddersfield on Saturday – a defeat which left them just five points above the relegation zone.

But keeper Smithies, who is close to signing a new contract, says Rangers showed signs of promise in that game and can beat faltering Birmingham, who have won only once since Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola took over as manager at St Andrews.

“It’ll be a tough game, going away from home to a difficult ground,” Smithies said.

“There’s been changes there in the management and it’s probably not gone quite as they would have wanted.

“They’ll be looking to put that right and equally we’ll be looking for a big win and we feel confident.

“For parts of the game on Saturday we played quite well and right at the end we could certainly have nicked a point.

“I think we’re showing signs that we can be a top team. We’ll show no fear going to Birmingham and are certainly looking to win the game.”