QPR manager Mark Warburton believes “genuine” fans will stick with the team after Tuesday night’s loss to Fulham likely ended their play-off potential.

Despite taking the lead within 60 seconds via Jordan Hugill, Harry Arter and Cyrus Christie’s goals turned the game around for the away side.

With the play-offs now seemingly out of reach, Warburton affirmed that there is always still something to compete for when you step onto the field — and that true QPR fans will understand what the club is trying to build with a young squad.

“Let’s look at the facts, average age of the players. The good fans will look at that and understand where we are. Young guys are stepping up, showing real character and quality and meeting the challenge.

“There will always be a few [fans] with differing opinions but the true fans will have you. If you give 100 per cent, the genuine fans will love you.”

Warburton also rubbished claims that Fulham were more clinical throughout the game.

Arter’s strike from outside the box should have been saved by goalkeeper Liam Kelly, while he felt Christie’s strike could have been prevented as well.

Ryan Manning hit the bar late on, with R’s boss standing firm on a view that his side had the better chances throughout the 90 minutes.

For Fulham manager Scott Parker, the win was all that mattered after his side had suffered back-to-back losses.

“Result was key tonight,” he said. “That was evident. Tonight, the main thing was a result. After two losses, it was key that we got the result.”