Tal Ben Haim marked his QPR debut by setting up Kieron Dyer for the stoppage-time equaliser against WBA at Loftus Road.

The Israeli defender, 30, has signed a contract until the end of the season after being without a club since leaving Portsmouth in May.

Ben Haim said: “It’s great to be back and my first game after so long was not easy. After one or two more games I think I’ll be playing better.

“I worked hard during the months I was out of the game and kept myself fit, but I always believed in myself and waited for my chance.”

Ben Haim came through an awkward first match after being asked to play out of position on the left side by QPR boss Harry Redknapp. Nevertheless, he added steeliness to the QPR defence that has been sorely lacking in
recent weeks.

Ben Haim thinks the Premier League’s bottom club can avoid the drop. “The team has great players and an excellent manager so I believe we can stay up."

Redknapp said: “Tal’s attitude is first class and the fact he can play anywhere across the back four is obviously a big bonus for us. He just wants to play. He’s not here for the money or anything like that. He just wants to come in and do his best for the club."