Hasselbaink praises Burnley

Sean Dyche’s side claimed a goal-less draw at Loftus Road on Saturday, with Hasselbaink admitting his team tired after the exertions of their increased pressing in the first half.

The Clarets finished the game the stronger, and Hasselbaink said: ‘I learned that we have a team that is willing to work for each other.

“There are a lot of positives and it’s nice to see that the guys want to work and play football.

‘Players are going to make mistakes, but it’s about expressing yourself and reacting when you do make mistakes. The players showed they want to do things right.

“I am happy with how the game went. In the first half we played ever so well and were the better team.

“In the second half we suffered a bit, but sometimes that’s a good thing. Sometimes you have to go to those extremes.

“Let’s not forget that we were playing against Burnley - a very good team that is very well organised and very hard to break down.”

Charlie Austin had scored in both meetings with his former club last season, and Burnley were relieved to see him start the game on the bench after a recent calf problem.

Austin was introduced on the hour, after QPR had started with winger Matt Phillips in a forward role.

Hasselbaink said: “We know Charlie is a very good player but it is a squad game and about the team, not any individual. Of course we want to have an out-and-out striker, but it’s about the collective. And we kept a clean sheet, which is very important.

“Today the majority of fans will go home with a smile on their face, which is what we want, because they have seen their team fighting and trying to play football that entertains. But, two feet on the ground, because we need to keep working and keep on improving.”