Radek Cerny has surely won his battle to get Rangers fans onside after an inspired display at Old Trafford.

The Czech keeper knew he needed consistent performances to win over fans who were dismayed when the popular Lee Camp was frozen out at the start of the season. The Loft End was even chanting Camp's name during Cerny's debut on the opening day of the season.

But the 32-year-old said then that he was confident of gaining their trust and has been true to his word.

Cerny rose to the occasion in Tuesday night's Carling Cup tie with manchester United, handing flawlessly on a night when the ball was slippery in the rain and a large chunk of a crowd of 62,539 were willing him to fail.

But by the end, 6,000 Rangers fans rose to salute him and this time, it was the former spurs stopper whose name was being chanted.

True, Cerny did not have to make too many outstanding saves, because most of United's efforts were from distance. But his positioning and calm handling spread confidence in the ranks and kept Rangers in the hunt.

At times, a disappointing match boiled down to Cerny v Carlos Tevez - the Argentinian easily the pick of a second-string United XI, who predictably omitted Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.

Cerny saved a curling effort from outside the box after 16 minutes and that set the tone for the evening.

He had no chance with the one big chance that did finally come United's way - Tevez sending him the wrong way from the penalty spot 14 minutes from time.

But his overall display will have gone a long way towards offsetting the disappointment felt by many fans of seeing Camp - an ever-present last season - depart to Nottingham Forest on loan.

"Radek Cerny was outstanding for us," said caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth. "He made three fantastic one-on-one saves."

In other news, QPR were yesterday (Thursday) hoping to complete the signing of former Fulham striker Heidar Helguson on loan from Bolton.

Helguson, who was in talks with the Rs as the Gazette went to press, has struggled to get into Bolton's first team and has been plagued by injuries.

The Icelander has played just one Premier League match this season but is a proven goalscorer at Cham-pionship level, having starred for Watford before joining Fulham for £1.3million in 2005.

He spent two seasons with Fulham and joined Bolton in July last year.

Helguson, 31, is one of several forwards recently targeted by Rangers, who failed with bids to land Michael Chopra from Sunderland and Caleb Folan from Hull City.

QPR's lack of firepower has been evident all season and they have scored just two league goals away from home.