Boss recalls McDonald battles

Queens Park Rangers boss Mark Hughes has described the club's former captain Alan McDonald as one of his toughest ever opponents.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea forward didn't know McDonald that well, but he certainly remembers the battles he had with him on the pitch during their playing days. McDonald passed away on Saturday, after collapsing while playing golf in Northern Ireland at the age of 48. The ex-Rangers defender, who spent 17 years at Loftus Road was regarded as a true professional that was well-liked and respected by his team-mates, opponents and the club's fans. Hughes told the R's official website: "Alan was a great opponent - one of the toughest I came up against. "He was a typical no-nonsense centre-half - no quarter asked, none given. "In those days the art of defending was very different to it is now. You could be a bit more physical back then, but Alan was honest with it. "He had a good footballing brain. He was a very accomplished player and hugely courageous. The Hoops boss added: "I didn't know him that well personally, but he was a very popular figure both at QPR and in Northern Ireland. "He will be sorely missed by everyone."