The conspiracy theorists were out in force at Loftus Road on Tuesday night as Harry Redknapp named two goalkeepers to the bench against the Premier League champions, Manchester City.

The big absentee was Jamie Mackie, who was officially down as a late back injury. Rumour has it that he was named to the squad, but a late deal is in the offing for him and he can't play. Hence the third keeper getting called up late to the bench.

- Match report: QPR 0-0 Manchester City

No matter. Against a City side that started like a train, QPR got more and more confident. And but for a penalty shout for Loic Remy that was denied by Phil Dowd, the home side would and should have won it during an engaging second half.

Adel Taarabt once more relished the role behind Remy, whose excellent running off the ball created a surprising amount of space in the City defence.

The surprise in the lineup, Esteban Granero, worked well as a calming influence in a midfield that had the engine of Shaun Derry and the all-in wrestling of Stephane Mbia.

At the other end, Julio Cesar showed why he is a rare successful moment in Mark Hughes' brief career at the helm with some quite stunning goalkeeping -- particularly in the second half.

At the end though, despite the importance of a point against a title-chasing side, all thoughts were with Ryan Nelsen who has played his last game in English football. Nelsen gave his all for QPR -- in fact, throughout his career -- and deserves retirement before the body he put on the line for 20-odd years gives out on him.

If Nelsen could leave a little bit of that fight behind, we'll be alright.

Follow Sean Smith on Twitter @seanshorn

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