Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has claimed that summer signing Niko Krancjar can have the same effect as Rafael van der Vaart did when he was in charge at Tottenham Hotspur.

Krancjar could make his debut for the club against Middlesbrough this weekend following a spell on the sidelines with a groin injury.

"It gives me the option of Niko playing in behind as a number 10," Redknapp is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News. "He's fantastic in there - a little bit like Rafael van der Vaart when I was at Tottenham. It's an option for me.

"Niko can play in that position on the left where he drifts in between the lines, or off the front. He can play a pass and put people in on goal. He's a fantastic footballer and I'm pleased to have him."

QPR are currently at the top of the Championship table following an unbeaten start to the season.