Hasselbaink backs ‘stubborn’ QPR after draw

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink praised QPR’s players after the 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday and refused to blame Matt Phillips for missing good chances to score.

Rangers keeper Alex Smithies saved a penalty and Daniel Tozser scored his first goal for the club before the home side levelled with a header from Atdhe Nuhiu.

Phillips, who netted an injury-time equaliser at Bolton on Saturday, was involved in the build-up to Tozser’s goal but was unable to take a late opportunity to restore the lead.

“He scored a very good goal on Saturday. Today I think he will be disappointed with the two chances,” Hasselbaink said.

“But I can’t knock any of their efforts – they worked and worked. I’m very happy.”

Rangers have won just two of their 15 matches since Hasselbaink took over as manager.

But the Dutchman was more than satisfied with their performance at Hillsborough, where they defended resolutely during spells of Wednesday pressure.

“I’m very pleased. Wednesday are a really good side and play good football and put you under pressure,” he said.

“We were strong, we were stubborn, and that’s what you need to be. We had to defend.

“We had to dig deep. I’m happy with the point and we move on.”