Ian Holloway thinks incoming QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will command the respect of the players but fears he has a big problem to solve at Loftus Road.

Hasselbaink is expected to be confirmed as Chris Ramsey’s replacement this morning after saying his goodbyes to the Burton Albion squad at the Pirelli Stadium yesterday.

The Dutchman has taken the Brewers to the top of League One after guiding them to promotion last season and boasts an impressive CV from his playing days as a striker.

He tore apart Premier League defences with the likes of Chelsea and Leeds United and is fondly remembered by those two clubs to name just a couple of his former employers.

However, it is another forward he is soon to be managing that Holloway thinks will be giving Hasselbaink a headache.

Charlie Austin is out of contract at the end of the season and is being linked with Southampton, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland in the lead up to the January transfer window.

Former Hoops boss Holloway worries the uncertainty around Austin’s future means it could be a case of the right man at the wrong time for Hasselbaink.

QPR's narrow victory over Reading in pictures:

He said: “I’m not sure about the timing but what I like about it is that his record is better than anybody. He’s been working with lesser players, making them play well, and QPR have chosen him now.

“Jimmy’s playing career demands respect. I think he’s got it the right way round, he’s earned his spurs and I’m just surprised he’s chosen to do this now. You’ve got a huge problem at QPR with Charlie Austin.”

Holloway was speaking in his role as a TV pundit for Sky Sports as QPR beat Reading at the Madejski Stadium last night.

He was joined by former Manchester City and Everton player Peter Beagrie, who also believes Austin’s future is the key to QPR’s success.

Beagrie added: “My first question to the owner would be whether we can keep the prize asset (Austin) because he’s the difference between QPR being able to possibly get into the top six.”

Neil Warnock, who also spoke last night about the appointment of Hasselbaink , was given a fine send-off by the Rangers supporters in Berkshire last night as he delivered three points in his final game in charge.

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