Two-goal hero Ilias Chair is one of the Championship's top players, says QPR boss Marti Cifuentes.

The Morocco international scored his first goals of an injury-hit season as the Rs emphatically beat Derby County in John Eustace's first game in charge.

A rocket from Chair followed by Koki Saito's second goal of the season put the hosts in control at half-time.

Chair added his second from close range before defender Ronnie Edwards headed in his first goal since joining the club from Southampton on loan last month.

"I think Ilias is one of the best players in the league. I'm pleased that he scored two goals, he's not too happy with me because he wanted the hat-trick and I subbed him," Cifuentes said following the game.

"He's a fantastic player and it's a bit sad that we missed him for such a long time at the beginning of the season.

"I'm happy that he's back [and] happy that he's performing well."

The Hoops went into the game on the back of successive defeats by Millwall and Coventry City.

The victory was the perfect response and moved QPR to within three points of a play-off spot.

"I liked a lot of things, first of all the ability to bounce back after a disappointing last game," Cifuentes added.

"I liked that despite the fact we didn't start well the game, I was pleased with the efficiency that we showed to take the lead and then to take a bigger advantage before half time.

"We were angry after the last game and we wanted the three points and I think that was very important."

Chair described his first-half wonder strike as "pure instinct".

He told BBC Radio London: "It was a long time coming for me, I was looking forward to this day where I score.

"I've had a couple of chances this season where I didn't score them and then the most difficult one I get, it goes in.

"I kind of knew where I was and I kind of didn't really need to look where I was and when that ball just dropped I just said 'let me just hit it' and that was pure instinct. Luckily it went in."

The game was Chair's 21st league appearance of an injury-disrupted season.

The 27-year-old missed pre-season with a back injury, putting him out for three months, and then injured his knee after five appearances earlier in the season.

"The whole start of the season was such bad luck. I never really got a solid preseason and some good training in, so I felt unfit," he said.

"It's very difficult to get fit in the Championship with little [preseason] training, because as we all know, in the Championship we barely train, it's just about tactics and that stuff.

"My legs are getting there, I'm getting fitter and fitter every day and I'm just grateful to be out there."