Caretaker Manager Gareth Ainsworth has warned his players not to 'shy away from the challenge,' when the R's welcome fellow promotion hopefuls Cardiff City to Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.

Ainsworth - who enjoyed a short spell at Ninian Park in 2003 prior to his move to W12 - is fully aware of the threat Dave Jones' men will pose in West London, but is confident his players can rise to the challenge and continue their impressive home form.

"First and foremost, I'm really looking forward to it," Ainsworth told www.qpr.co.uk.

"They were the last Club I played for prior to my move to West London and I enjoyed my time there.

"I know what a Cardiff City side, under Dave Jones, will bring to the table and I'm relishing locking horns with them."

Ainsworth added: "It's a very important match for us, as it is for them.

"It's a great challenge for us and one we simply can't afford to shy away from.

"The league table is starting to take shape now and heading in to the festive period, it's vital we maintain our fine home form."

Ainsworth will be minus the services of Mikele Leigertwood for the visit of the Bluebirds, with the midfielder serving the second match of a four game suspension following his red card against Birmingham City last time out.

"Losing Mikele is a blow," said Ainsworth.

"We thought we had good grounds for an appeal, but it was turned down and we've moved on now.

"With the exception of him and Rowan (Vine), I've got a fully fit bunch to pick from."

Despite being relatively new to the managerial game, Ainsworth is aware of the need to focus on the here and now, and not let his emotions get the better of him ahead of a certain trip to Old Trafford in a few days time.

"The United fixture hasn't even come in to my thoughts," he said.

"The lads spoke about it briefly when the draw was made, but the entire focus this week has been on Cardiff City.

"We'll move on to United on Sunday morning, but Cardiff comes first!"