Midfielder Bragg scored the second goal in between strikes for Kuryu Matsuki, Keven Schlotterbeck and Welington, to make it 17 home Championship matches without defeat for Saints.

Bragg, who was sent off in the south coast derby victory over Portsmouth, saw his drilled shot deflect in to celebrate in the league for the first time – with his only other goal coming in the FA Cup.

Until the beginning of this week, Eckert did not consider him a goal threat in his team. He said: “We had an attack v defence session this week and Bragg he had quite a few finishes from the edge of the box.

“I was quite surprised that he had some great finishes in there so told him that if the chances opened up today then he makes sure he takes it.

“We had some hints that he would do that across the week.

“His game is never going to based on the amount of goals he scores, but it never hurts if you add them to your game.

”I took the responsibility for him getting sent off in the derby because you need much more courage and bravery in his position than other positions. He is showing maturity and credit to him as a young player in his career.”

Japanese winger Matsuki opened the scoring in the 11th minute, having already missed a sitter as he swivelled in his third goal in four games.

Lewis Dobbin had a goal disallowed just before half-time, but Southampton blitzed the second period.

Bragg added the second goal, before Schlotterbeck headed in at the back post from a corner, and substitute Welington settled things in stoppage time.

Eckert added: “I am pleased with that as QPR are a tough team to come up against. I think they are one of the teams that prepare the best, especially with what they do on the ball.

“They caused us challenges in the first half so credit to the players.”

Richard Kone pulled one back for QPR but head coach Julien Stephan bemoaned the start to the second half where they conceded twice before the hour mark.

Stephan said: “The scoreline is the reality for this high level.

“When you have some opportunities, you have to take it. I think we had enough in the first half to score one time and to equalise.

“And this is one of the big differences between the two teams today. It’s the ability during the good momentum to create some big changes and to score. We didn’t start very well the first 10 minutes.

“I didn’t recognise my team during 20-25 minutes. I think it’s probably the worst 20 minutes collectively we did since the start of the season.

“We scored one time but at 3-0 down, it is very difficult to come back.

“Southampton are one of the two best teams in the league. Middlesbrough then Southampton. The two best teams.

“I don’t want to bet they will be the two to go up but they are two very very good teams.”