QPR APPOINT SOUSA

Sousa has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Loftus Road and will be in charge for Saturday`s Championship clash with Watford at Vicarage Road.

Sousa told the club`s official website, www.qpr.co.uk: "It is an honour to be part of this project. I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers."

He added: "I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management."

The 38-year-old, who won 51 caps for his country and spent five years as assistant to former national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, takes over from Iain Dowie, who was sacked on October 24.

Sousa, who confirmed he will retain Gareth Ainsworth - who has been in caretaker charge - in his backroom staff, added: "I believe in playing positive, attacking football.

"To achieve positive results you have to maintain a focused outlook and my team will aim to do this, both for ourselves and for the fans. I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."

Chairman Flavio Briatore described the capture as "a very good appointment for this football club".

He said: "He has great experience after working with the Portuguese national team and he is part of the new generation of coach. He has worked with some of the world`s best players and we are excited about having him.

"His football career was highly impressive and he has great knowledge of the game. After five years with Portugal, he is ready for a new challenge and I am delighted he has agreed to join us."