Burnley manager elect Eddie Howe was in the stands at Turf Moor to see the Clarets hold the current English Championship leaders, QPR, to a nil-nil draw. Caretaker chief Stuart Gray is confident he is handing over a squad which is capable of challenging for a play-off spot as they lie just six points out of the top six.

"He is inheriting a fantastic bunch of lads," said Gray following the stalemate. "We haven't seen how creative we can be today but all credit to QPR, they came with a game plan and stuck to it.

"Eddie is keen for me to stay on board and we will be having a conversation tomorrow. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in charge.

"The boys have responded and trained well and their application has been spot-on.

"He has inherited a talented bunch of players but we now need to go on a run - the most important thing is that Burnley start winning games.

"The players will be keen to impress now and players that didn't feel they had a future have a fresh start with a new manager in."

Gray admitted Rangers had stifled the host's game.

He added: "QPR have done a job on us and all credit to them.

"They are a strong physical side and played to their strengths. We probably had the best periods with the ball.

"We've scored eight in our last two at home so to keep a clean sheet and not score is disappointing."

Rangers remain three points clear of second-placed Swansea with a game in hand, and boss Neil Warnock said.

"We were back to normal today - it was good. We worked very hard and tried to win the match.

"Obviously it is a difficult place to come, we knew that, and we have played some difficult games recently.

"We've played eight out of the top 10 teams away from home and we have gone two (games) undefeated but we have to go onto another run now.

"A lot of teams would swap positions with us if I'm honest. We looked composed and I thought we looked a threat.

"We were strong at the back, decent in midfield and dangerous on the break.

"I thought we would have won it if there was going to be a winner."