QPR caretaker manager John Eustace was guarded over the future of talisman Luke Freeman after the winger was left on the bench in Rangers’ 2-1 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday.

His side looked like they would regret that decision after Michael Hector’s late penalty for the home side cancelled out Josh Scowen’s first-half strike.

But a stunning injury-time volley from the prolific Matt Smith proved enough for the three points and ended a run of three straight defeats.

Despite the result, questions over Freeman’s future remained after he was apparently rested for the second time in as many games.

"Luke’s been fantastic all season. It’s a dead-rubber today,” he said.

"Luke was rested like he was in the previous game. It’s a chance to play younger players and give them the experience needed.

“I don’t know if he’ll stay. Luke’s a top player at this level so it’s only a good thing that there’s clubs watching him.

“It’s good for the club but hopefully he’ll be at the club next season because we need all of our top players.”

The QPR boss was more eager to highlight his side’s resilience and grit in what could be his final game of the season.

He added: “The attitude of the boys was fantastic, we fully deserved to get all three points.

“For the seven games that I’ve been in charge of, we haven’t always had the rub of the green. We also haven’t taken our chances.

“However, today, we finally took them. We’ve an exciting young team with lots of players coming through.

“It’s a big opportunity now, given that the club will be relying on younger players even more next season. To finish things off as we did was good for those lads.

“We’ll all enjoy the win tonight – scoring in the last minute and in front of our own fans was a great way to round the season off.”

In a farewell to the fans, Eustace was upbeat about the club’s future and urged the next manager to carry on the progress made.

“Whoever comes in now [as manager] needs to be enthusiastic and want to work with young players,” he added.

“Yes, it’s not going to be easy – but you can bring through younger players and be competitive. Recruitment is also going to be important.

“I’m sure whoever comes in will be the right candidate and excited to work with what is a young and hungry group.”