QPR 0 Hull City 1: Bruce hails game-changer Stephen Quinn but must wait on Robert Snodgrass injury

Hull City manager Steve Bruce praised game-changer Stephen Quinn after the Irishman's assist for James Chester's goal secured an opening day victory at QPR. Quinn, whose future at the KC has appeared in some doubt after a number of inquiries from other clubs this summer, came off the bench shortly before half-time when Robert Snodgrass was forced off with a knee injury. And his superb 52nd-minute corner found Chester rising unmarked to head home the only goal at Loftus Road. Bruce said: "Has there ever been a better £50,000 spent (than on Quinn)? "When he came on he changed the game for us because he settled us down by keeping the ball and made us function. I was delighted for him."

Great start of the season and a big 3 points away today the lads were class, have a safe trip to our fans back home #UTT

— Ahmed Elmohamady (@Elmo_27) August 16, 2014

Bruce admitted too many of his men had performed poorly in the first-half, but scoring early in the second period gave them the confidence to go on and secure a deserved three points, despite a late scare when Allan McGregor saved Charlie Austin's penalty kick after James Chester was harshly adjudged to have handled in the box.

Great win today made even sweeter when @therealgreegsy1 saved the (soft) penalty! Chezzy was fantastic and Robbo had an immense debut #HCAFC

— Curtis Davies #6 (@TheCurtisDavies) August 16, 2014

Chester clearly had his arms by his side when the ball struck him and the decision by referee Craig Pawson left Bruce calling for a stronger directive to officials. "It was never a penalty," he said. "They have to be given a directive. Handball is supposed to be deliberate. How can it be deliberate if you have your arms by your side? "In my day, that was never a penalty. It could have cost us the match. "(But) McGregor was excellent. He's reminded us all what a good goalkeeper he is. "The determination (of the defence) to keep a clean sheet was the difference today."

Great three points away from home. Brilliant safe from @therealgreegsy1 never in doubt and great header from Chezy! #UTT

— DM (@DavidMeyler7) August 16, 2014

Bruce will now turn his attention to the Europa League trip to Lokeren on Thursday, when he will be without Snodgrass, who will undergo scans to determine the extent of his knee injury. "It looks very sore," said Bruce. "We hope that he's going to be okay."

Yessss superb start for us great 3 points

— Robert snodgrass (@robsnodgrass7) August 16, 2014

Alex Bruce, substituted at half-time after hurting his back, is also unlikely to feature in Belgium. Liam Rosenior, meanwhile, sat out today's game, also with an injured back.

Get up outta that ya good thing! First away game of the season, 3points. Not bad, onto the next one #UTT#MOTD

— Paul McShane (@pmacca15) August 16, 2014