THERE are good debuts, very good debuts and then debuts footballers can only dream about.

Well, whatever thoughts Steve Jones summoned in his sleep on Friday night, he could not have wished for a better start to his Clarets career.

Of course, league debuts don't always go to plan.

But Jones seized the day, seized his opportunity and left an indelible mark that he, nor Burnley supporters will forget in a hurry.

Two goals - one an immediate contender for strike of the season - had Turf Moor rocking as the Clarets finally ended a five-year sequence that has seen them fail to win on the opening day of the league campaign.

This time 12 months ago, Steve Cotterill's side went down 2-1 at Gresty Road, and Jones was a happy bunny then while leading the line for Crewe.

Once again, the Northern Ireland striker beamed from ear to ear after putting QPR to the sword.

And the men from Loftus Road certainly seem to leave a permanent smile on his face.

They had no answer back in October 2002 when, on his full Alexandra debut, Jones similarly plundered a brace that ignited his Football League career.

Jones simply continued where he left off in pre-season. The 28-year-old showed his lethal pace and finishing ability during the summer, especially in Italy where he enjoyed five goals in two friendly games.

Over there, his right foot did most of the talking inside the penalty box.

But it was his left peg that destroyed the Hoops - a cool side-foot finish for starters, then a 25-yard screamer that torpedoed into the top corner.

What a huge benefit to have a forward blessed with two excellent feet.

Two goals, a clean sheet and, most importantly, a winning start roused Burnley fans and offers plenty of encouragement for the season ahead.

And there was a heart-warming sight at the full-time whistle with an early glance at the Championship table - Clarets, perched at the very top, albeit with an alphabetical advantage!

Okay, it's only one game, with 41 more to go, but supporters could enjoy picking up the Sunday papers and seeing their club heading the pile.

There was a real buzz of anticipation prior to kick-off, intensified when Cotterill passionately marched from the tunnel before his players to loud applause.

The Clarets boss did spring a slight surprise in his starting line-up, selecting Jones in an advanced wide-right role with teenager Kyle Lafferty and Andy Gray in attack.

But using his pace and trickery on the ball, Jones is equally effective operating the flanks.

With competition as fierce as ever in the centre-back positions, it was Michael Duff earning the nod ahead of Steve Foster and John McGreal to partner new skipper Wayne Thomas.

As has been the case through the majority of pre-season, Frank Sinclair slotted in at right-back and gave a storming account.

Irish duo Chris McCann and James O'Connor took central midfield roles and worked doggedly and diligently, with Alan Mahon foraging down the left.

QPR - opening with five across midfield and strapping Pole Adam Czerkas the lone ranger up front - arrived with intentions to frustrate.

Despite that, the Londoners enjoyed the upper hand in the opening 15 minutes.

Czerkas despatched an early sighter wide and, following indecision from Sinclair just inside his own box, Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen denied the lively Czerkas from nipping in.

More Clarets defending was required from Lee Cook's superb free-kick, which full-back Mauro Milanese nodded over from six yards.

Rangers' best chance fell to Aussie debutant Mark Ward. Slack marking allowed the midfielder all the time in the world to pick his spot from Steve Lomas' corner.

But Ward generated little power in his back-post header and Jensen stooped for a comfortable save.

The fluctuations then changed and Burnley clicked into life, as Mahon and Jones swapped flanks.

Lafferty, who buried a wonderful chest-and-volley strike in Italy, sized up a more audacious effort but blasted high.

Mahon's wicked 30-yard drive needed careful handling from Wales goalkeeper Paul Jones, then Lafferty out-jumped Milanese but could only send Steve Jones' pinpoint delivery over the bar.

Most efforts came from outside the box as defences dominated. McCann smashed an absolute belter with no back-lift, but Jones was equal to double-fist clear.

Patience was the key after the interval and Burnley, facing little trouble at the back with Rangers front-man Czerkas earning sparse support, continued to probe away.

The home side were rewarded for their persistence on the hour-mark.

From a long ball, Mahon slipped a low pass for Gray to chase on the edge of the visitors' box.

Gray was second-best to win the ball, but his determination to win a lost cause set panic in the Rangers defence.

A mix-up between goalkeeper Jones and centre-back Matthew Rose ensued, as Gray tangled for possession, and Burnley's Jones swooped to tuck home the loose ball.

Anxiety turned to relief around three sections of Turf Moor, although Martin Rowlands aimed to immediately eradicate Burnley's lead with a 25-yarder which Jensen beat away.

Jones brought the house down and wrapped up three precious points with an absolute gem.

It started from Sinclair, who intercepted Milanese's careless pass before keeping it simple to Jones.

High on confidence, Jones swaggered forward two paces before unleashing an unstoppable 25-yard drive into the top corner.

It was a wonderful strike - Burnley fans will hope for more to come!