QPR manager Julien Stephan pointed to the injury of his star man Nicolas Madsen as "the crucial moment" resulting in their 5-0 defeat at Saints.

Former Denmark youth international Madsen was forced off after just 30 minutes on Tuesday, with Saints already one goal ahead through Finn Azaz.

The home side were frustrated as Stephan demanded the midfielder sit down just before exiting the playing area, in order to force a lengthy stoppage.

But despite the last-ditch team talk, QPR lost the momentum they had been building before Madsen's injury, and Saints scored again before half-time.

Saints head coach Tonda Eckert admitted Madsen's withdrawal changed the game, with the central midfielder causing Saints problems in wide areas.

Stephan said: "Tough evening. We conceded the goals at the bad moments, at the beginning of the first half and the last second of the first half.

QPR boss Julien Stephan and Saints head coach Tonda Eckert (Image: PA)

"Then again, after two minutes or three minutes at the beginning of the second half. But the crucial moment came when we...