Ings could be key figure, says Vokes

Big moment: Sam Vokes celebrates scoring on his second appearance back in a Burnley shirt after a long injury absence

But former strike partner Sam Vokes insists QPR should be every bit as concerned about Danny Ings ahead of a key clash at Turf Moor.

Austin was on target for the Rs last month in a 2-0 win over the Clarets at Loftus Road, before being sent off - and he is the top English goalscorer in the Premier League with 12 goals.

Only Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa, with 14, have more, but Vokes - after scoring on only his second appearance in nine months against Spurs on Monday night - feels Ings could be the key figure.

Ings has five goals tso far this season, and netted three of his 26 last term against the Hoops, and Vokes said: “Ingsy is key for us, you can see how talented he is with his feet and link-up play, and he can play with any kind of striker. He’s been a massive plus.

“Both Charlie and Ingsy know where the back of the net is, which is important for a striker, but they’re different players.

“We all know Charlie is a top goalscorer, and he’s been doing well, so it’s important to keep him quiet.

“I think everyone saw he was a natural goalscorer and he’s taken to the Premier League.

“But I don’t think from our point of view we need to worry about that too much, we’ve come across top strikers in the last few games and dealt with them, so it’s another challenge for us.”

The game marks the start of a run of fixtures against sides in and around the Clarets, and Vokes accepts it is important Burnley do well against the likes of QPR, Crystal Palace, Sunderland and West Brom: “It’s a big one.

“They’re all big games in this division, but the ones in and around you are the ones you need to pick up points from.

“I don’t think we can shy away from those - we’ve gone to Newcastle and City and people write you off, but you get points from those games and we can take the performances into the weekend.”

Meanwhile, he was thrilled to find the net on Monday night: “It means the world to me, it puts nine months’ work into perspective.

“It was a great feeling to get back out there and score.

“It means a lot, all that work in the gym pays off.”