Wallace and Field close to returning for QPR

QPR boss Mark Warburton says Lee Wallace is close to a return to the starting line-up following the hamstring problem that has sidelined him since August.

The veteran left-back limped off during the 3-2 win at Middlesbrough but returned to full training last week along with fellow long-term injury absentee Sam Field, who will play a B-team match before being included in a matchday squad.

Both players played significant roles in Rangers’ excellent run in the second half of last season and will be welcome returns to a side that have shipped six goals in their past two matches and face a daunting run of six games in 15 days.

“They are both probably two to three weeks away. Lee is probably a little bit sooner, which is good because Sam (McCallum) could only play an hour at Fulham,” Warburton said.

“Sam Field will play some B-team games in the next 10 days to get some minutes under his belt and they will both be two very welcome additions.”

Warburton hinted that he might make changes to his midfield following the 4-1 defeat at Craven Cottage on Saturday,  when the struggling Dom Ball was substituted at half-time as he and Stefan Johansen lost the midfield battle against the mobile Jean Michael Seri and Harrison Reed.

Luke Amos has impressed when introduced to the side from the bench in recent matches following his return from the serious knee injury that ruled him out for 11 months, but he didn’t come on against Fulham.

However, he could be in line for his first start since October 17 last year when Rangers host Blackburn on Tuesday.

“Luke Amos is knocking on the door as is Andre Dozzell – and Stephen Duke-McKenna has done well in training and in the B team this week,” Warburton said

“Andre wasn’t even in the squad on Saturday, but you want and need that competition, especially with the number of games we have coming up.

“It’s about using the squad we have and rotating them appropriately.”