Ainsworth proud to face Fergie

Ainsworth: United challenge

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Queens Park Rangers caretaker manager Gareth Ainsworth admits he will be 'in awe' of his Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson when the two sides lock horns in the Carling Cup.

Ainsworth was placed in temporary charge of the Championship club last month following the departure of former boss Iain Dowie.

He now finds himself preparing his troops for Wednesday's fourth round clash at Old Trafford and is eagerly anticipating the encounter with the Premier League champions.

The 35-year-old coach said: "I'll admit I will be in awe of Sir Alex, he's a great manager.

"If you'd asked me a few weeks ago then not in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be pitting myself against him."

Upset

He added: "We're the underdogs and we're not expected to win but if we put the passion in we can achieve anything at this club.

"The Premier League is the place we want to be so this is going to be a little taste of what the boys can expect and what they can look forward to, because I believe QPR will be in the Premier League very soon.

"I'll still feel the pressure, though. We want to go up there and give a good account of ourselves and who knows what will happen?

"It's going to be a massive challenge for us and an amazing experience for the boys. Some people say they won't play their first team but their second team is pretty good as well.

"But we'll just take it as it comes. I'll be a very proud man to be in the opposite dug-out to Sir Alex, it will be a big moment in my career."