Eckert, 32, is set to take charge of his first game as Southampton boss at Loftus Road this evening, and believes his two training sessions have gone well.

After three defeats on the spin, a run that cost Will Still his job, Eckert demanded that Saints fight for three points against a well-coached QPR side.

Saints, who have won just two games all season, come into this game 21st in the Championship and can only climb as high as 19th with a win.

“To be fair, we’ve had two very busy days with a clear focus to go into two very important games for Southampton Football Club," Eckert told club media.

Tonda Eckert has been placed in interim charge of Saints after Will Still's sacking. (Image: Harriet Massey/NUFC)

“We have tried to maximise the time that we have had to prepare the boys as best as possible.  The work has been good.

"It’s always about finding a good balance of not giving information but getting ideas across. I feel like we had two very good training sessions.

"We need big energy on the...