Marti Cifuentes masterstroke may see QPR trigger player contract extension: View | OneFootball

It has been an excellent few weeks for Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

The R's made a poor start to the season, resulting in the sacking of Gareth Ainsworth in late October, but their form has improved significantly under Marti Cifuentes.

Cifuentes will have been disappointed not to have picked up all three points in the 0-0 draw against Sunderland prior to the international break, with the Hoops putting in a dominant performance at the Stadium of Light, but his side have lost just one in their last six games.

The R's currently sit 19th in the table, two points above the relegation zone, and they are back in action when they face fellow relegation contenders Birmingham City in a crucial game at Loftus Road on Good Friday.

While Cifuentes' full focus will be on keeping the Hoops in the division, he will have some big decisions to make in the summer with a host of senior players out of contract, including defender Jimmy Dunne.

QPR could activate Jimmy Dunne contract option this summer

Dunne had been a regular for QPR at centre-back since his move from Burnley in July 2021, but he missed the start of the season with a shoulder injury.

The 26-year-old came straight into the team after returning to fitness in early October, and he remained a consistent starter until he was dropped in January.

Dunne spent five games as an unused substitute, but after illness ruled Reggie Cannon out of the game against Bristol City in mid-February, the Irishman stepped in at right-back.

After impressing in the 1-0 win over the Robins, Dunne has continued in that role ahead of Cannon, with the R's picking up three wins and two draws in six games since he was moved into his new role.

Cifuentes has been full of praise for Dunne's performances in an unfamiliar position, telling the South London Press: "All the credit to him, he is doing really well. I think a big test as well has been one-on-one situations. Some people can underestimate him because he is a tall player, but actually his capacity in one v one situations, even in open space, is really good because he is smart, [and] he has a good tactical defensive foundation."

Dunne's contract at Loftus Road is set to expire in the summer, but the Hoops do have the option to extend it for a further year.

Given his unconvincing performances at centre-back earlier in the season, it was uncertain whether the R's would be keen to keep hold of Dunne, but after his strong displays at right-back, it looks increasingly likely they will trigger the option in his deal.

Football Insider claimed in January that Blackburn Rovers were plotting a move for Dunne, and it would be no surprise to see him attract interest again in the summer, but the Hoops remain in control of his future.

Cifuentes deserves huge credit for the bold decision to deploy Dunne at right-back, and should the defender maintain his performance levels until the end of the season, it seems certain that he will be staying at Loftus Road.