QPR boss Gareth Ainsworth says losing Ilias Chair to injury was “a big blow” during their 3-1 defeat against Rovers.

Ainsworth took charge of his first game at Loftus Road since leaving Wycombe to succeed Neil Critchley in the hot seat.

Sam Gallagher bagged a brace and Sam Szmodics was also on target as Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men secured a valuable three points on the road.

Ainsworth told West London Sport: “Losing Ilias was a big blow. That took a whack out of the boys, it really did. He was looking very lively. That was a tough one to take.

“He’s been sensational for this club and the mental whack the boys took from losing one of the most influential players was hard.”

Despite the result, the new QPR boss was encouraged by their performance against an in-form Rovers side.

“Going in at 1-1 against a team who came here and probably expected to win, and the whole world expected them to win. It’s Blackburn Rovers, the big club that they are in this league,” he added.

“I’m pleased with the boys. After two days training with me, I saw plenty of stuff in there that I can work with. In the first half we showed exactly what I wanted them to show; the belief, desire and the battling.

“It showed today that there’s plenty of spirit and plenty to work with. But we were a bit deflated in the second half because Blackburn’s third goal put them out of sight and in control of the game.

“It’s my job now to raise these spirits and make sure the boys play with intensity and be fearless. They’re a great set of boys and gave me everything today, and that’s what I asked of them.”

The result leaves Rovers fourth in the Championship table – a couple of points behind third-place Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, QPR find themselves in 18th place – eight points above the relegation zone at this stage.

Tomasson’s men are back in action on Tuesday night when they make the trip to Premier League Leicester in the FA Cup fifth round (7.30pm).

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