Hughes backs Cesar to lift QPR

QPR manager Mark Hughes has praised goalkeeper Julio Cesar following his impressive start to the Premier League.

The 34-year-old Brazilian, who arrived at Loftus Road on a free transfer from Inter in the summer, pulled off a number of impressive saves against Arsenal on Saturday only to be beaten by Mikel Arteta’s possibly offside goal six minutes from time in the 1-0 defeat.

Having failed to win any of their opening nine games, QPR find themselves at the foot of the table, but Hughes believes that a player of Cesar’s stature can help lift the club to turn their season around.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Hughes said: “He inspires people by his manner and his presence, and his performances as well. I’ve trained with the likes of Schmeichel, Southall, and he’s right up there.

“Not just as a keeper, but as a guy and with his mentality in the dressing room, it’s huge for us – a real benefit. He understands what it takes and it drags in people around him.

“I haven’t seen Julio over the time that I saw Schmeichel, but he’s certainly on a par with the top keepers in the world.”