Last night a strong-looking Rs side scraped through their FA Cup third-round replay 1-0 against MK Dons thanks to Danny Gabbidon's second-half header.

However, QPR's victory could not disguise a desperate performance in which they were fortunate to overcome their npower League One opponents.

While pleased the Hoops managed a first victory in 11 attempts, Hughes expects better against relegation rivals Wigan this weekend.

"It was very important," he said. "I think in terms of our performance we did not get anywhere near what we produced against Newcastle.

"It is a little bit unfair considering we playing on Sunday then Tuesday and that showed in our sharpness, or rather lack of sharpness.

"Credit to MK Dons, they were full of running and passed the ball really crisply and moved us around the pitch.

"It was a hard night but we stuck at it and if I have taken anything from the two games I have taken charge of, is the attitude.

"They dig in, try to work hard and try and get something from the game and that is what they did tonight.

"It is the first time we have progressed in the competition for many years and that was the prize on offer.

"That is what we were after, but we understand performance-wise we can do better.

"At the weekend we will be better prepared with more preparation time and I am sure our performance levels will be better than what we were able to produce tonight."

Victory sets up mouth-watering FA Cup fourth-round tie against west London rivals Chelsea.

The Hoops won the league clash between the sides at Loftus Road, but the match is remembered for allegations that Chelsea's John Terry aimed racial abuse at Rs defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry has always denied the allegations.

Asked whether he had any concerns about playing Ferdinand against Chelsea, Hughes said: "No. Obviously I will speak with all the players leading into the game and get an understanding of where they are in their mind in terms of the mentality that you need to go into that game.

"It is a challenging game and a big test for us, but knowing Anton and having seen him over the years I am quite sure he will want to be involved in that game."

Ferdinand will likely feature for Hughes' side against Wigan this weekend, where he will be joined by skipper Joey Barton after suspension.

The midfielder watched from the stands at Loftus Road last night and spoke to MK Dons manager Karl Robinson after the match.

"I spoke with Joey downstairs and he was full of praise for the group of players we have got and so was their staff," Robinson said.

"They showed great respect for us and an awful lot of class in the way they got the victory in the end and the way they conducted themselves."