Midfielder struck only goal as Rs beat Tykes on Saturday

Josh Scowen says he did not celebrate his first goal for Queens Park Rangers out of respect to his former side Barnsley.

The midfielder netted the winner for the Rs in a 1-0 win at home to the Tykes in the Championship on Saturday.

It was Scowen’s first goal for the west Londoners since moving to Loftus Road in the summer from the Yorkshire outfit.

And though it was a special strike from the 24-year-old, Scowen revealed his respect for Barnsley led to his restraint in celebrating the fine effort.

“The ball has come out to me in a bit of space on the edge of the box and I just had one thought in my mind — luckily it came off!” he told the club website.

“I nearly celebrated because I’ve never scored a goal like that and it’s my first for QPR, but I realised I couldn’t because I have a lot of respect for Barnsley, their fans and everyone there.

“Inside I was buzzing, but I was strong enough to hold it back and I have a lot of respect for Barnsley.”

In difficult conditions for both sides, Scowen’s strike enabled Ian Holloway’s men to pick up a vital three points in the league.

QPR had to grind out the result, playing the final 20 minutes with 10 men after substitute Ryan Manning saw red.

But Scowen admits it was collecting all three points, rather than the manner of the victory, that mattered against the Tykes.

“It’s probably not the best that we’ve played at home this season, but we’ve come away with three big points,” added the former Wycombe Wanderers midfielder.

“We’re 10 points clear of the drop now and we’re only looking up. We’ll move on to next week (away to Wolverhampton Wanderers) confident.

“Wolves are top of the league and flying, but we managed to beat them at Loftus Road so we’ll be confident from that.

“If we play how we can play with our pressing style, I’m sure we’ll give them a good game.”

Since making his summer move from Barnsley, Scowen has been a vital cog in midfield for QPR.

And the enforcer says he has enjoyed every second of his time so far with the Loftus Road side.

“I’m loving playing for QPR. Being so close to home is nice and all the fans have been nothing but positive towards me,” he said.

“That will only help me on the pitch, so hopefully I can give something back to them as well.”