Damien Delaney was the toast of the town on Tuesday night, as the Irish full-back bagged Rangers' winner in our 3-2 victory against Swindon Town.

The goal - his second in QPR colours - completed a quite remarkable few hours for the former Hull City player, who was also named skipper for the night by boss Iain Dowie, just hours after receiving news of his call-up to the latest Republic of Ireland squad.

"It's been a great day for me," reflected Delaney after last night's Carling Cup victory at The County Ground.

"Obviously the win was of paramount importance, but to be named skipper; to score the winner; and to get the call-up all in the same day is really special."

After goals from Angelo Balanta and Dexter Blackstock put Rangers on terms, Delaney - who notched his first goal for the Club against Sheffield Wednesday last season - was on hand to fire home the R's winner at The County Ground.

"It was a shank to be fair," he said.

"I was aiming for the other side of the goal, but I'll take it.

"I don't score many, so it was nice to get off the mark so early on in the season.

"More importantly, we got the win and that's what matters most at this stage of the competition."

With Gavin Mahon nursing a sore foot and Martin Rowlands suspended, Delaney was handed the armband by Dowie and he described the experience as 'a great honour.'

"The gaffer took me to one side on Monday and told me I'd be skipper," he said.

"Gav had a slight knock and with Rowly suspended, the boss told me he wanted me to wear the armband.

"I've done it at Hull and I enjoyed it there, and it was a great honour to skipper Rangers.

"This a massive Football Club, which has had some great captains in the past and I'm just delighted that I can join the long list of players that have worn the armband."

While his immediate focus is on Saturday's mouth-watering trip to Bramall Lane - the home of Sheffield United - Delaney already has one eye on the impending international fixtures.

The 27 year-old, who made his Eire debut over the summer, has yet again been called up for the Republic's friendly against Norway, to be played at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo next Wednesday.

"I didn't find out until I got a text on the way to the game from one of my mates back home in Ireland," he said.

"It's a great honour and was a terrific boost just before kick-off.

"Scoring a goal, wearing the armband and getting the call-up - it was a great day all round."