QPR boss Chris Ramsey says half-time bust-up at Crystal Palace can boost survival chances

CHRIS RAMSEY hopes a half-time bust-up in the Selhurst Park dressing room last Saturday can pave the way for an upturn in QPR’s fortunes in the nine remaining games of their fight to avoid relegation.

Chris Ramsey is aiming for survival with Crystal PalaceGETTY

Chris Ramsey is aiming for survival with Crystal Palace

QPR let in two goals in a collapse just before the end of the first half to trail Crystal Palace 3-0 in the lunchtime London derby.

Ramsey revealed yesterday there was a frank exchange of views as the players “self-policed” before a much-improved second-half display.

“I wouldn’t say there were words said by me, but there was a heated discussion at half-time,” Ramsey said.

“It was a constructive heated discussion, because the second-half performance was a lot better.”

It was a constructive heated discussion, because the second-half performance was a lot better

Chris Ramsey

Not only did QPR keep Palace out after half-time, but they even pulled a goal back through Matt Phillips’ 40-yarder destined for every highlight reel going.

“The players realised they didn’t want the second half to become a debacle for the travelling fans who had woken up early that morning to come to the game,” Ramsey said.

“The players do self-police quite a lot. We have an experienced squad and we have got people who try to make sure the other players stay focused.”

And he welcomed the row as a sign that his players still have the passion to battle for survival in the Premier League, where they are in 19th place, four points adrift of safety.

“The heated discussion was important,” he said, “because it shows that people really want to stay in the division and really want to do well for the club. It was constructive, though – there were no fights or anything like that.”

That faith will be put to the test on Sunday against Everton, who faced a long journey home after yesterday’s Europa League match away to Dinamo Kiev.

“We are aware that we’re running out of time and games but all we can do is give our best in the next game,” Ramsey said. “I believe we can get the points we need.”

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