Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has warned that QPR’s off-field turmoil will mean nothing when the teams in Championship action meet at the Hawthorns.

Rangers will arrive in the West Midlands still digesting the events of last week that saw boss Jim Magilton suspended after an alleged bust-up with midfielder Akos Buzsaky.

But the Baggies head coach has insisted speculation over the club’s future management will have no bearing on tonight’s game.

He said: “It didn’t have much of an impact with Newcastle at the start of the season. Once you get out on to the pitch you do your job. I don’t know if it galvanises you or not because I’ve never been in that situation as a player or manager.”

Despite a dip in form that has seen the once high-flying Rs drop below halfway in the Championship, Di Matteo still believes the West London side will be among the promotion challengers this season.

He said: “It changes almost on a weekly basis with teams going in and out of the play-off positions and different teams getting closer to the top two. It will be a long, hard season and things will change.”