Richard Kone says the narrow FA Cup defeat to West Ham has shown QPR what they need to do if they are to step-up to the Premier League.
The Ivorian's second-half header cancelled out a 1-0 half-time deficit and sent the third round tie to extra-time before the Hammers came out 2-1 winners to claim their place in Monday's fourth-round draw.
QPR are three points outside the Championship play-off places with 20 games remaining and Kone hopes they can finish the season strongly to get back to playing on the biggest stage every week next season.
He told BBC Radio London: "We had a spell where we could have taken our chances, when you don't, the quality of the opposition shows.
"They showed they are a Premier League side, even if they are struggling. We have to take our chances when they come. We should be proud of ourselves for the game we gave them, it was hard for them.
"You can tell what you need to do to be at that level. You have to keep working, learn from these type of games, learn what you need to do to be at that level to compete in the Premier League.
"You have to be more effective in everything you do."
The Hoops return to league action with a trip to play-off rivals Stoke on Saturday (15:00 GMT) and Kone added: "We have to switch straight away and get fired up, train hard. Stoke away is not going to be easy. We have to show what we learned (at West Ham), be more clinical and effective."
The R's were roared on by 9,000 travelling fans at the London Stadium and boss Julien Stephan added: "I want to congratulate the players and they want to congratulate the fans – the support across the game was amazing for us. They made a lot of noise.
"The players felt that and it was a good contribution for us in terms of energy."
