Tim Sherwood did a "fantastic" job at Tottenham and is eager to return to work as soon as possible, says QPR caretaker manager Chris Ramsey.

Sherwood took over at White Hart Lane midway through last season but was sacked in the summer, despite achieving the highest win percentage of any Spurs manager in Premier League history.

Ramsey worked under Sherwood at Tottenham and remains close friends with the former Blackburn midfielder, who is now favorite to fill the vacancy at Loftus Road.

"I would be a liar to say I haven't spoken to him about the QPR job," Ramsey said.

"Tim's a football man and he watches it all the time.

"We talk about games and players and he's made it clear to me he is eager to get back into work – you can only play so much golf and watch so much daytime TV.

"He did a fantastic job at Tottenham, I think they're reaping the benefits of some of the stuff that was put in place four or five years ago to help the academy.

"I think it was probably underrated the job that he did."

Ramsey will remain in temporary charge, together with assistant manager Kevin Bond, for QPR'S game at Sunderland on Tuesday night.

Rangers then have 11 days before their next game at Hull, when it is likely Harry Redknapp's permanent successor will be in place.

Ramsey admitted he would "jump at the chance" to manage a Premier League team but insists Rangers' survival will come down to the players.

"It depends how much magic one person can do in a short space of time," Ramsey said.

"It's really down to the quality of the players and their efforts for the fans and the owners that will make the difference.

"Someone coming in now can help galvanize things but we have to rely on the players' ability to come through."

Rangers will be without top-scorer Charlie Austin against Sunderland after the striker sustained a foot injury against Southampton on Saturday.

Austin left the stadium on crutches but the problem is less serious than first feared and the striker could return within a fortnight.

Richard Dunne and Nedum Onuoha also suffered injuries against Southampton.

Dunne will be out for three months with a knee problem while Onuoha will miss two to three weeks with a hamstring strain.

Dunne's absence will mean a recall for Rio Ferdinand, who has struggled for form this season and has not played in the league since Boxing Day.

"Rio is going to be huge for us tomorrow," Ramsey said.

"We are looking for players like him – the older pros to help the younger guys to fulfill their potential.

"I didn't pick him at the weekend but I spoke to him and he knew he would feature in these two games.

"He's prepared himself, as he always has done at Manchester United, to prove to everybody he's still a good player."