Luigi De Canio praised the contribution of super sub Gareth Ainsworth, as the R's staged a stunning comeback to draw 2-2 with Preston North End.

Ainsworth scored one and provided the assist for Dexter Blackstock's last-gasp equaliser, to the delight of his Manager.

"Gareth is the heart and soul of this Club," he told www.qpr.co.uk.

"He's an extraordinary individual, who has the respect of everyone who knows him.

"He is the spirit, the heart and the attitude of QPR and he deserved to be the hero today."

De Canio added: "Before the game we were confident of getting the three points, but it didn't look like we would get anything as the clock ticked down. It looked like being one of those days, when everything we tried didn't work.

"Preston were very good and they made it very hard for us throughout.

"But the players responded with a great demonstration of character in the final moments and they deserve a lot of credit for that."

The R's First Team Coach dedicated the comeback to Rowan Vine, who faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines after fracturing his left leg in training earlier in the week.

"The draw, and especially the last few minutes, were for Rowan," he told www.qpr,co.uk.

"Like Gareth, he identifies the spirit of this Club and we were determined to play for him today.

"I'm sure he would have had a big smile on his face when he saw the comeback!"