MATT BACKS MAC TO GET RS ON TRACK

STEVE MCCLAREN is the man to lead QPR back to the Premier League despite their issues off the pitch, says Matt Ingram.

An opening-day defeat, after a summer in which Rangers had to pay a world record £40million financial fair play fine after losing a three-year battle and face a January transfer ban, was not the start they were looking for.

Alan Browne gave Preston victory, but keeper Ingram believes the passion the former England boss (above) has shown in training after his year-and-half away from the English game will quickly translate into a promotion push from a youthful side.

“So far he’s had a great impact,” he said. “I know we didn’t show it today, but in pre-season we played a lot more football and I think he’ll have a fantastic impact as everyone knows their roles.

“We didn’t really do him justice but we can only get better. We’re concentrating on the football. No matter what problems the club may or may not have we’re not thinking about that.

“He’s worked with the best of the best. Everyone wants to play in the Premier League so he is teaching us how to be as good as the Premier League boys and we should be able to show that in the next few weeks.”

Browne’s header was enough for a win that was no more than the home side deserved against a well-drilled QPR defence led by their skipper Toni Leistner.

Preston just missed out on the play-offs and Browne said: “We enjoyed our summer but myself and the lads couldn’t wait to get back and prove ourselves again.

“We’re definitely in a stronger position than we were at the start of last season.”