Queens Park Rangers chairman Tony Fernandes has backed Adel Taarabt to prove himself as "something special" this season.

The Moroccan spent last season on loan with Fulham and AC Milan, but R's chief Fernandes thinks that the attacking midfielder will be an important member of the squad this term.

"Like many people who wrote off Joey [Barton] - and he was key for us last season - Adel is going to be something special," he told the London Evening Standard.

"People have forgotten about him a little bit but he can do extraordinary things. At AC Milan last season he was quite special.

"I think Adel will be a surprise for many this season. He's focused and wants to stay at QPR. He can turn games around in a few minutes, so it's important to have him."

Taarabt has made two appearances for QPR this season.