Stephan ready for 'challenge' of October restart

Julien Stephan was appointed QPR boss in June

QPR boss Julien Stephan was happy to see his players head out on international duty because it serves as confirmation of the quality in his squad as they seek to maintain their play-off push.

Rangers are on a six-match unbeaten run, from which they have taken a Championship-best 14 points, as they head into Saturday's London derby at home to Millwall (12:30 BST).

"It's always challenging to restart after an international break," the head coach told BBC Radio London.

"I prefer having some players away with their international teams as it means we have good players."

Forward Koki Saito made his senior debut for Japan against Paraguay while Rumarn Burrell and Isaac Hayden were away with Jamaica and another attacking player, Rayan Kolli, featured for Algeria 'A'.

Winger Paul Smyth played for Northern Ireland against Germany and captain Jimmy Dunne was away with the Republic of Ireland.

"We will have some players coming back on Friday so we have to reconnect them in one day but it's not only Millwall, we have two games away after that," added Stephan.

The Frenchman has also confirmed attacking midfielders Kwame Poku and Ilias Chair are back in full training and could feature over the next week with a trip to Swansea next Wednesday.