By Ben Kosky ROWAN Vine says QPR s stirring fightback against Sheffield Wednesday underlines the players high regard for caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth. Ainsworth took charge for the second time this season after the club sacked coach Paulo Sousa – and

By Ben Kosky

ROWAN Vine says QPR's stirring fightback against Sheffield Wednesday underlines the players' high regard for caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth.

Ainsworth took charge for the second time this season after the club sacked coach Paulo Sousa - and oversaw one of their best performances all year on Easter Monday.

Vine, who netted Rangers' first goal after coming on as substitute, told the Times: "Everyone's got ultimate respect for Gareth and I don't think any of the boys would go out and not try their best for him.

"It's good to have someone you know is going to rally the players in that kind of situation. Gaz has been like that as a player and he's like that as a coach as well.

"I'm not sure what's going to happen long-term. All I can say is that we're here to play football to the best of our ability, for whoever's in charge, and that's going to continue.

"When Wednesday scored the second, we were thinking it'd be that kind of day you get in the Football League, where you completely dominate the game and don't get anything.

"You look for fighting spirit and determination to get you back in the game and we found that. Between the playing staff and the coaching staff, we go out to win and the focus can't be on anything else."

Monday's 3-2 success was particularly significant for Vine - recently recovered from a broken leg - who found the net for the first time since scoring at home to Scunthorpe 13 months ago.

"I've been waiting for a long time and it was my first goal at that end, which made it even more special," he revealed. "They don't come much easier, I suppose!

"All my other QPR goals have been at the other end or away from home and I'd always had in my head what it'd be like to score in front of the Loft. It was a brilliant feeling."

The board have placed Ainsworth in charge until the end of the season, but may find it hard to ignore his claims for a permanent appointment if the Rs can build on Monday's result in their three remaining matches.

On paper, the first of those looks as difficult as possible - away to Wolves, who need three points on Saturday to be absolutely certain of a place in the Premier League.

That means QPR may yet again find themselves on the guest list at someone else's party - having played second fiddle to West Brom, Reading and Plymouth in recent seasons.

"People read too much into end of season games," added Vine. "They think the sun's shining and people go out with a lazy attitude. I've never been involved in a game like that.

"We want to finish as high as we can, that's been the feeling since the start of the season. Hopefully we can finish right outside the play-offs and show how much of an improvement there's been since last year."

Defender Kaspars Gorkss should be available for the trip to Molineux after receiving stitches to a facial injury following his clash with Wednesday's Akpo Sodje.