Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink: Charlie Austin will not be 'pinched' from QPR in January

New Rangers boss says his star striker is going nowhere despite being out of contract in the summer

Charlie Austin has scored eight goals for QPR this season (Reuters)

Queens Park Rangers manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has insisted Charlie Austin will not be ‘pinched’ in the winter transfer window.

The 26-year-old scored 18 goals in the Premier League last season and has just six months left on his contract at Loftus Road – a development which has alerted a host of clubs.

But Hasselbaink, who eventually replaced former Rangers boss Chris Ramsey on Friday, is defiant in his desire to keep his star striker at the club.

“You don't pinch. He's not going to be pinched,” said the former Burton Albion boss.

“I'm looking forward to working with Charlie, and I'm looking forward to working with everyone else as well. Charlie Austin is a very important individual at this club.

“But it's a team game. I want to have a team. I don't want individuals. You need a team and eventually teams win you titles. Individuals win just the game.

“We need to hit the ground with both feet, not one, and concentrate on a Saturday, and the league will take care of itself. That's the easiest way, and that's the best way.”

QPR are currently propping up the top half of the Championship in 12th but remain just four points off the play-off berths – largely owing to Austin’s eight goals so far.