GARETH McAuley is looking forward to “getting his teeth into QPR” when Ipswich Town take on the league leaders at Loftus Road in West London this evening.

GARETH McAuley is looking forward to “getting his teeth into QPR” when Ipswich Town take on the league leaders at Loftus Road in West London this evening.

High-flying Rangers are five points clear at the top of the Championship, and red hot favourites to win promotion to the Premier League.

They also gave Town a lesson in football last September, when Neil Warnock’s men romped to a crushing 3-0 win.

But Town are a different proposition these days, under new manager Paul Jewell. The soft underbelly that was often in evidence under Roy Keane’s regime has gone, leaving Town as one of the in-form teams in the division.

And Town also have recent history on their side tonight – they are unbeaten in their last four visits to Loftus Road, winning three of them.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice against QPR at home, but we’re looking forward to getting our teeth into them,” enthused McAuley.

“It’s a nice tight little ground, and I think as a club as a whole we have got quite a good record at Loftus Road.

“It’s games like these that you relish, and really want to play in.

“When you’re on a good run, you don’t mind playing on Saturday, Tuesday and Saturday. It gives you a chance to put some points on the board quickly,” added McAuley.

Centre-half McAuley has been in outstanding form for Town this season, and a week ago celebrated his 100th league game for the club with the headed fifth goal in a 6-0 win at Doncaster.

Town have taken 14 points out of a possible 18 in their last six league games. In fact, Jewell has not suffered a league defeat since the 2-1 reverse at Millwall in his first game in charge.