Hoop Dreams - QPR FC

After recording his second win in just two games at QPR, a feat which Paul Hart and Mick Harford were unable to achieve during their tenures at the club, it is clear that Neil Warnock has made a strong impact on a squad which had the confidence of a pub team before his arrival. Rangers beat relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle last night, 2-0, thereby moving up to 15th in the table and leaving a six-point cushion between themselves and the drop spots.

More importantly, they also recorded their first clean sheet in an incredible 25 attempts. Adel Taarabt sent the Hoops on their way with a first-half penalty before turning provider early in the second period to plant a free-kick on the head of defender Damion Stewart.

With little difference in personnel between Warnock and Harford's playing squads, the only possible conclusion is that the breath of fresh air provided by the change in management has worked wonders in the Rangers dressing room. That said, Hart and Harford must look at QPR's last two performances and wonder how they couldn't get the players to gel quite so convincingly. If you wanted to be hyper-critical of the squad, you could rightly ask how they could be so abject just a few weeks ago and now be setting the world to rights.

Taarabt is probably one player who won't have to check his conscience too strongly because under Harford he was an infrequent starter. Returned to the starting line-up for Warnock's first two games, he has been the most clear beneficiary of the 'new manager effect' and is now recreating the form which took him to Spurs, whom he is on loan from, in the first place.

The Moroccan's talent is rarely in doubt but his application to the game and decision-making is frequently criticised. Warnock believes he can get the best out of the 20-year-old though, as reported in the Evening Standard yesterday, after consulting Spurs manager Harry Redknapp.

"I know he's got a lot of skill but I've spoken to Harry and he's the sort of player who will make you pull your hair out at times," said Warnock.

The QPR crowd could back that statement up and it's a surprise they are not all bald after watching Taarabt on the Loftus Road pitch this season. Capable of moments of sublime skill, such as a contender for the Hoops' goal of the season at home to Preston earlier in the season, he has been equally capable of running into a corner-flag cul-de-sac rather than pass the ball and when he does, he often finds touch rather than a team-mate. When supporters gathered outside the stadium in January to protest Flavio Briatore's chairmanship, it was notable that Taarabt came in for some stick on leaving the ground, including chants of 'why don't you pass the ball?'

He is contracted to stay with QPR until the end of this season at which time he will return to White Hart Lane, with an extension to his loan stay unlikely unless Warnock can put together a remarkable last-minute charge into the play-off places. But even if that is a far-fetched idea, QPR's supporters will be hoping to see the good side of Taarabt in the remaining weeks of the season.

"He's a gifted lad who's working harder than he's ever done and he's going to do that to get into Harry's Premier League squad," said Warnock.

"But I think I'm the right manager for him. He knows he doesn't mess about on the half-way line - if he does he knows what he'll get from me."

Another Hoops loanee, Jay Simpson, who has 12 league goals this season, could be playing in hoops of a different colour next season if some reports today are to be believed. Simpson is on loan from Arsenal and though Arsene Wenger is reportedly a fan, he will have stiff competition to hold down a starting place at the Emirates, with Robin Van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, Eduardo da Silva, Carlos Vela and even Andrey Arshavin all above him in the pecking order to start as a striker.

As a result, Celtic could launch a bid to take the youngster north of the border this summer. Celtic boss Tony Mowbray is on the lookout to add to his attacking options at the Parkhead club. Though Mowbray is far from certain to stay in his job next season, if he does, Simpson could be top of his transfer list. Even if he doesn't opt for Glasgow, after an impressive season in the Championship he is a good bet to move on this summer.

The remainder of QPR's season then could largely depend on two players unlikely to be there next season. But if they can reproduce their best form up until May, they will leave with better memories than they would have just a month ago.