Blackstock: QPR Eyeing Playoffs "In the changing room afterwards we're talking about being nine points off the play-offs"

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Kilburn Times/Ben Kosky - Dex targets the top six
DEXTER Blackstock says QPR are eyeing up a play-off challenge after beginning the new year with their third win in four games.
Blackstock ended his barren run in front of goal with Rangers' third on Tuesday to help them beat Leicester 3-1, a result that leaves them nine points off sixth place in a crowded Championship table.
Although the Rs are still just three points clear of the relegation zone, the former Southampton striker insisted: "Things are looking on the up at QPR.
"We've scored seven goals in two games - the Rangers fans love exciting football and that's what we're going to bring them. If we can beat the likes of Watford at their place, we shouldn't fear anyone.
"Leicester was a massive three points for us because a lot of the teams around us won, but we're not worried about relegation. In the changing room afterwards we're talking about being nine points off the play-offs."
Blackstock's second-half header was the first time he had found the net since a 2-2 draw at Bristol City on the opening day of the season - a run of 14 games without a goal.
But the 21-year-old frontman, who was sidelined by a cartilage operation in October and most of November, never lost confidence of regaining his scoring touch.
He added: "I never worry, even when I'm on a drought like that - all through my career I've scored goals and I don't think there's any reason why it suddenly stopped.
"Even when I haven't been scoring I've been creating goals, winning penalties and doing my best for the team - and it isn't about my personal tally, it's about the team moving forward.
"I've had the knee injury and the sending-off [at Stoke], so it's been a stop-start season, but now I'm starting to find my feet, get my match fitness back and I'm feeling fitter and stronger.
"When I got the goal it almost killed the game - they never looked like they were going to claw three goals back. It's always good to score and win, so long may it continue.".... Kilburn Times


Previewing Chelsea Game: Views of Ex-QPR and Chelsea's Clive Walker:
Ben Kosky/Kilburn Times - Buzsaky can give Chelsea the blues
QPR playmaker Akos Buzsaky is the man who could upset the odds in Saturday's FA Cup derby, according to former Rangers and Chelsea man Clive Walker.
The Rs will be massive underdogs when they face their Premier League neighbours - and current FA Cup holders - for the first time in more than a decade.
But Walker, who began his career with Chelsea before a two-year stint at Loftus Road in the mid-1980s, believes Rangers have a slim chance of success as long as Buzsaky performs on the day.
The Hungarian midfielder was due to complete a permanent switch from Plymouth yesterday and Walker - now a BBC London summariser - told the Times: "Going on recent performances, he could be the key man.
"Buzsaky's a real talent, he's got something a little bit different and is one of those players QPR greatly need to be fit for the rest of the season.
"He's the type of guy that, in a one-off, could surprise the Chelsea players if he gets involved in the game and QPR need to make sure he gets as many touches of the ball as possible.
"On these occasions, goalkeepers can have amazing days where they save everything and, if Lee Camp has a blinder, who knows? There might be a possibility of going back to Loftus Road for a replay.
"There is a massive gap between the sides - but this is an FA Cup tie and there's always a chance. I've had the pleasure of playing for both big sides and smaller sides in this competition and I know there can be surprises."
Chelsea go into the tie shorn of several injured first-team regulars, such as Didier Drogba, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda, while defender Ricardo Carvalho is completing a three-match suspension.
Other players, such as Michael Essien and Salomon Kalou, could also be unavailable as they prepare for African Nations' Cup duty, which may help open the door for ex-QPR loanees Scott Sinclair and Ben Sahar.
But Walker is certain that the Blues will be fully committed to winning the third round tie on Saturday - even if some of their supporters may not share that desire.
He said: "Chelsea got into a mentality under [José] Mourinho that they felt they were unbeatable.
"They really do want to win everything and, although they'll have some of their lesser-known players, they won't take their foot off the gas.
"When I was playing, it was always intense against your local rivals and it's certainly a big game for the supporters - more so for QPR fans because they would really, really like to get one over on Chelsea.
"But Chelsea have a lot of new fans who won't know much about the rivalry and, because QPR have been in the shadows in recent years, they'll probably see it as just another game."
Rangers, who have failed to win any FA Cup tie in the last seven years, will be visiting Stamford Bridge for the first time since a 1-1 draw in March 1996.
They have not triumphed on their neighbours' turf since a decade before that, when Alan McDonald and Michael Robinson scored in a 2-0 Milk Cup quarter-final replay victory. Kilburn Times