diff --git a/mkstage4.sh b/mkstage4.sh
index 1109eb0..7f90584 100755
--- a/mkstage4.sh
+++ b/mkstage4.sh
@@ -249,9 +249,9 @@ fi
 TAR_OPTIONS=(
 	-cpP
 	--ignore-failed-read
-	--xattrs-include="*.*"
+	"--xattrs-include=*.*"
 	--numeric-owner
-	--use-compress-prog="${COMP_OPTIONS[*]}"
+	"--use-compress-prog=${COMP_OPTIONS[*]}"
 	)
 
 # if not in quiet mode, this message will be displayed: