Jimmy Dunne’s 58th-minute goal was enough to end the Londoners’ four-game losing streak as Critchley’s reign got off to a winning start, a week after he was appointed to replace the Rangers-bound Michael Beale.
Laird, who has appeared in 19 of QPR’s 20 league games since moving to Loftus Road on a season-long loan in August, once again caught the eye with his front-foot style and marauding forward runs.
After the game, Critchley was asked about the potential prospect of Laird returning to the Reds in January, but left no doubt as to where he wanted the right-back to see out the season.