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UPDATED (9:00am GMT):
QPR OFFICIAL SITE - WORTHWHILE WORKOUT
Posted on: Mon 16 Jul 2007
John Gregory believes his side will be 'all the stronger' for Sunday's heavy 5-1 defeat to Celtic.
Speaking to www.qpr.co.uk, Gregory said: "They taught us a lesson at times, but it was a valuable workout for our players.
"I really couldn't care less about the outcome. It wasn't about the result, it was all about getting some 'game-time' ahead of our season kicking off on August 11th.
"We came through unscathed, without any injuries and most of the lads got at least 45 minutes under their belts.
"It was a worthwhile exercise.''
The R's gaffer heaped praise on Gordon Strachan's side, who - with their League campaign starting a week before the Championship on Sunday 5th August - were playing their fourth pre-season friendly of the new campaign.
"They were excellent,'' said Gregory.
"They moved the ball fantastically well and their whole approach to the tie was just what you would expect from a Club of their size.
"It was in danger of becoming a real embarrassment at one stage, but our lads stuck to the task and we managed to get on the scoresheet late on.
"It was our first pre-season game whereas it was Celtic's fourth - and they have to play with a high tempo and win every game because their fans demand it." QPR Official Site
The Guardian
"...The QPR manager, John Gregory, was impressed by the visitors but was not reading much into the scoreline. "We are gearing up for August 11 so today was just a training exercise in many respects," said Gregory. "But it was certainly a very difficult game to play in because of the quality of the opposition." The Guardian
The Telegraph
"... "The outcome of this game was immaterial. It was our first pre-season game whereas it was Celtic's fourth - and they have to play with a high tempo and win every game because their fans demand it." Telegraph
The Sun
JOHN GREGORY saw QPR crushed by Celtic — then admitted they escaped a real embarrassment! Gordon Strachan’s Scottish champions, cheered on by big fan Rod Stewart, ran riot in the pre-season clash at Loftus Road.
Boss Gregory’s only consolation was a second-half goal from sub Kieron St Aimie and he said: “It was in danger of becoming a real embarrassment.
“It was still a good workout and Celtic’s massive support created a really brilliant atmosphere.”...
. The Sun
Press Association
"Loftus Road boss John Gregory was impressed by the Scottish champions.
He said: "We are gearing up for August 11 so today was just a training exercise in many respects."But it was certainly a very difficult game to play in because of the quality of the opposition. "Celtic played outstandingly well." Press Association