Julien Stephan convinced QPR have a bright future despite draw with Bolton

QPR boss Julien Stephan remains convinced his side can be a force to be reckoned with in the Championship despite a frustrating goalless draw at home to Bolton.

Rangers dominated the game but striker Richard Kone missed several chances and visiting goalkeeper Jack Bonham was in inspired form.

Stephan said: “We did a great game. I’m very satisfied with the way we play and the way the players want to be an exciting team on the pitch.

“I enjoyed that and I’m really, really convinced that in the mid to long term, if we continue to play like this and continue to be brave, and continue to be dominant, that we will have a lot of wins.

“Probably the next step with this team is to be able to win this type of game. I think we are in a very good direction.”

Kone had four opportunities to score during a one-sided first half and missed another chance just before going off during the second.

“I said at half-time to the players that they just needed to keep going, because the way they were playing was perfect and we created some big chances,” said Stephan.

“I said to them: ‘No panic, no stress, just stick to the plan and continue – you’re playing good football, so continue to in the second half’.

“We continued to create a lot of chances – enough to win – and when we deserve a penalty we need to have a penalty. It was a clear one with Koki Saito.”

Bolton boss Steven Schumacher admitted his team had Bonham to thank for their point.

“He was outstanding. He stays really calm, doesn’t get flustered, and proved it last season on occasions that we needed him,” said Schumacher.

“Any successful team has got to have that, because there are going to be days you don’t play brilliant attacking football and the opposition get the better of you.

“On those days, if you can get a goalie that saves you every now and again, it gives you a chance to pick up points.

“So I’m really pleased for Jack. He’s had a good day and we’ve said that to him in the dressing room. I don’t like singling out players but he’s a huge reason we’ve got a point.

“To keep a clean sheet is really good because it wasn’t easy for us today. QPR from an attacking point of view played really well and created loads of opportunities.

“We had to defend our goal, and when we did get broken down and they got one on target, thankfully Jack had a really good game.”