Leeds United boss Kevin Blackwell hailed veteran striker Brian Deane's four-goal haul in the 6-1 Championship thrashing of Queens Park Rangers.

The 36-year-old front-man couldn't buy a league goal until this month, failing to hit the target in his opening 11 appearances of the season before netting in the 4-2 win at Preston a fortnight ago.

Since Blackwell has played Deane as a lone striker with John Oster and David Healy wide, Leeds carry a much bigger threat and Deane terrorised the London side's flimsy defence.

Blackwell said: "I'm pleased for Brian. His professionalism is an example for all the young players at this club to follow.

"This just shows what can be achieved when players get the right service and our wide men (Healy and Oster) were excellent today."

United had to come from behind to do it as Ian Holloway' team seized the lead inside two minutes with a superb 22-yard drive by Gareth Ainsworth.

Healy began the recovery with a clever chip after Deane headed on. Deane then positioned himself at the far post to tap United ahead.

The visiting defence looked more like Queens Park Strangers and froze again as Jermaine Wright had time and space to make it 3-1 from close range.

Wright then crossed for Deane's second and the big striker - who also had another effort ruled offside - was left free by a static defence to complete his treble.

Poor Rangers had collapsed and Leeds should have gone further ahead mid-way through the second half but Chris Day saved Healy's spot-kick - harshly given after Simon Walton went down in the box.

But Deane had the last word five minutes later when Rangers failed to deal with Oster's right-wing cross and he nipped in to head home to provide the home support a rare weekend of joy.

Leeds United 6, QPR 1

Coca-Cola Championship

(at Elland Road)

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Carlisle, Butler, Pugh, Oster, Gregan, Wright, Walton (Richardson 90min), Healy (Joachim 79), Deane (Lennon 87). Subs (not used): Carson, Kilgallon. Goals: Healy 9, Deane 13, 42, 44, 72, Wright 23.

Queens Park Rangers: Day, Bignot, Shittu, Santos, Rose (Padula 10), Ainsworth, Bircham, Gallen, McLeod (Cook HT), Cureton (Bean HT), Furlong. Subs (not used): Miller, Branco. Goal: Ainsworth 2.

Referee: Colin Webster (Tyne and Wear).

Attendance: 29,739.

Updated: 08:45 Monday, November 22, 2004