Relegation-threatened Southampton were held to a goalless draw by Paulo Sousa's under-performing QPR at St Mary's.

Saints, whose recent revival has now seen them win three and draw two of their last six outings, remain two points from safety but had the better chances against Rangers.

The Londoners, by contrast, are without a victory in nine attempts and floundering well off the play-off pace despite being among the pre-season promotion favourites.

The hosts almost went ahead inside two minutes when a mistake by Rangers centre-half Damion Stewart let in Jason Euell.

The former Wimbledon and Charlton frontman was able to race through on goal and round Radek Cerny, but he put his shot the wrong side of the post.

Mikele Leigertwood squandered Rangers' first chance, firing wide from 20 yards after ex-Saints striker Dexter Blackstock laid off Peter Ramage's cross.

Rangers, who have now not found the net in their last four games, should have taken the lead in the 20th minute after Kaspars Gorkss nodded Liam Miller's corner back across goal, but diminutive winger Wayne Routledge put a free header over the crossbar from all of three yards out.

Saints keeper Kelvin Davis did well to block Hogan Ephraim's deflected shot, but as the first half wore on the hosts looked the more threatening.

Five minutes before the break Euell picked up a clever flick from David McGoldrick and got in a shot which Cerny made a meal of but gathered at the second attempt.

Shortly after the restart Rangers were inches from going ahead when Routledge found Jordi Lopez, whose drive took a slight deflection and flew narrowly wide.

Euell then wasted an opportunity to cross to one of three of his team-mates in front of goal, opting instead to volley wide from an impossible angle.

Andrew Surman embarked on a great run and teed up his fellow England Under-21 midfielder Adam Lallana, but his shot was poor and did not trouble Cerny.

Sousa, who will surely be under pressure from chairman Flavio Briatore if their poor run continues much longer, threw on young striker Antonio German and on-loan Tottenham youngster Adel Taarabt for their debuts.

Taarabt nearly marked his cameo appearance with a goal in the closing stages, but his shot hit the side-netting.

Saints came closest to grabbing a winner when Euell played in Surman but Cerny made a fine save to ensure the game ended goalless.