Reds aim to overtake rivals in crucial clash By Paul Thompson QPR agree with Barnsley that tomorrow's clash between the clubs at Loftus Road offers the chance of a turning point in the season. If Rangers win and end a run of five consecutive defeats, then they will widen the gap between themselves and the Reds to four points. Barnsley see it is an opportunity to boost their own fight against relegation by overtaking John Gregory's side. Since showing defensive frailty in a 3-2 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, Rangers have had a mixed time: they drew two matches in a row, then won three, but have now suffered setbacks against Coventry at home, 1-0; Sunderland at home, 2-1; Palace away, 3-0, Stoke away, 1-0, and last Saturday Wolves at home, 1-0. Midfield player Martin Rowlands regards the Barnsley match as being very significant, after his team slipped up against Wolves. "We have let ourselves and the fans down in the last few matches, but the spirit in the squad is very good and we are determined to put it right," he said "As long as we take on board everything the gaffer says, we will start to turn the corner. "Our position in the table is not exactly ideal, but we have the quality to get out of this situation." Defender Marcus Bignot said: "Our home form has not been good enough this season and we need to improve it. "If we get our own house in order, staying up will take care of itself." Left winger Lee Cook has been linked with Aston Villa, Manchester City and Spurs but chairman Gianni Paladini wants to keep him. "There are clubs interested in him but we've had no offers and we don't want any because he is not for sale. "Someone really would have to offer stupid money to get him because that's how important he is to QPR. But 18-year-old striker Ray Jones has rejected several offers of a new deal from the club and is likely to leave. Fulham have already had a £50,000 bid turned down and, like Cook, he has been watched by Premiership clubs. Improving his team's defending rather than selling players is Gregory's priority. Chairman Paladini said: "We are working very hard behind the scenes to prepare for the January transfer window"John is keen to add to his squad. We will do all we can." QPR eyes will be on the result from Elland Road tomorrow: Leeds and Hull, immediately below them, play each other. Southend, who are adrift at the bottom, face Birmingham at home. As for the two teams who are just above the Reds and QPR, Luton are at home to Coventry, Crystal Palace take on Sunderland at Selhurst Park tonight.
