Vokes wary of Austin’s threat!

Sam Vokes acknowledges that the Clarets will have to be on their guard when faced with his former striker partner Charlie Austin at Loftus Road.
Goal threat: Charlie AustinGoal threat: Charlie Austin
Goal threat: Charlie Austin

The QPR frontman netted 41 goals for the Clarets in 69 Championship starts before making his big money move to West London in August 2013.

The England international, who has been equally as prolific in his time with the Hoops, scoring 43 times in 80 league appearances including 18 in the Premier League, has been plagued with hamstring and calf injuries this term but has come off the bench in recent weeks to inspire his side to victories over Leeds United and Reading.

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“We know what Charlie’s all about,” said the Welshman, who was sidelined for the fixture 12 months ago as Austin scored before getting dismissed.

“I saw he was on the bench the other night and came on so he’ll be fit and ready to go I suppose for Saturday.

“Some of the defenders were working with him here. “Duffo worked with him and knows him inside out.

“He’s one that we’ve got to watch out for and I’m sure we’ll be looking at that through the week.”

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Vokes, who has netted three times this season, added: “He had a great season and looked like he was going to move but he didn’t.

“I’m sure that’s still in the pipeline. He’s got great ability and something we need to watch out for on Saturday.

“Away from him we know QPR are a strong team and a team we’ve been battling against for the last few years so it will be another good contest.”

Sean Dyche’s men go in to the clash without a win in four outings following the derby defeat to Preston North End at Turf Moor but Vokes is confident of seeing a reaction tomorrow.

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The Clarets reacted to defeat against Ipswich Town at Portman Road by taking 13 points from five games and then embarked on a nine-game unbeaten stretch following the loss against Reading at Turf Moor in September.

“We were on a great run before,” he said. “There’s no better time to bounce back than in the next few because there are some big games at the top of the table.

“It’s massive. It’s a big game at QPR. It’s important to get a reaction from this now, and no better place than QPR to do it.”