RICHARD DUNNE IS back in contention for QPR after returning from injury earlier than expected.
The 35-year-old was told he would be out of action for three months and would therefore miss the rest of the season after a knee injury suffered on 7 February.
However, Ireland international Dunne has recovered ahead of schedule and came through 81 minutes of the Rs’ U21 draw with Millwall yesterday.
“It is always nice after an injury to just get back playing,” Dunne told www.qpr.co.uk.
“It has been eight weeks since the injury so it was good to get back and hopefully I will be involved with the first team soon.
“The knee was fine. I had to come off with blisters at the end as the pitch was so hard and it was so hot. That was the only reason I didn’t finish the match, the knee felt fine.
“Typically I choose the hottest day of the year so far to come back. It is usually the end of the season you get this weather but at least it is good for the fitness and I’ve got a bit of early practice in.
I’m not injured anymore so it’s up to the manager if he thinks I’m fit enough but for me I feel like I’m available.”
QPR lie 18th in the table and two points adrift of safety after the 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Monday night. With six games remaining, Chris Ramsey’s men face Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday before another home fixture next weekend — against fellow Londoners West Ham.
In a tough run-in, they also face Liverpool and Manchester City next month.
Originally published Thursday at 20.42
