Holloway: Rafa's 'different class'

Ian Holloway issued a message of solidarity towards Rafa Benitez after his QPR side gained a last minute point against Newcastle United.

Holloway had nothing but words of praise for the Magpies boss and insisted that Newcastle United and their supporters should all stick together.

The QPR boss believed some Newcastle supporters became expectant of a win against his club. Holloway believes Newcastle under Rafa Benitez stewardship are more than capable of achieving promotion this season.

Following the draw, Holloway gave his reflection on the game and felt his side deserved all three points. The former Crystal Palace manager praised his team's fight after going behind after 38 seconds to Jonjo Shelvey's volley. Had Holloway's men been more clinical in front of goal, the 53-year-old felt the scoreline could've ended in QPR's favour

Holloway was questioned on a Jonjo Shelvey's challenge on QPR striker Jamie Mackie and believes there was no malice in the tackle. The Bristol born manager who worked with Shelvey previously at Blackpool, predicted the midfielder to pick several more England caps in the future.

Holloway commended the 600 QPR fans who made the journey up from West London to Tyneside on Wednesday. Holloway, in his second stint as QPR manager, hopes to use the Hoops comeback display to steer them away from the bottom of the table.