Round-up: Hall fit, Blackman loan deal, Blues youngsters win, Pato latest, Groves fight

QPR defender Grant Hall has been passed fit after a foot injury.

Hall, outstanding for Rangers this season, was expected to be out for a few more weeks but has responded well to treatment and is in contention to return for Saturday’s match at Preston.

And Rangers have been given a further boost by Jack Robinson playing for their development side in a match against Watford at Harlington, where R’s trialist Eusébio Bancessi scored twice.

Meanwhile, holders Chelsea won 1-0 at Blackburn in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup semi-final.

Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman has joined Swedish club Ostersunds FK on loan from Chelsea until the end of May.

Blues boss Guus Hiddink has said that he expects Alexandre Pato to stay until the end of the season despite reports suggesting the Brazilian forward’s loan deal could be ended prematurely.

Speaking at his pre-match media conference, Hiddink added that Radamel Falcao could play after the international break if he proves his fitness.

Hiddink has also praised Saturday’s in-form opponents West Ham and their manager Slaven Bilic.

The Hammers will again be without centre-backs James Tomkins and James Collins for the game at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham also have some injury problems – they will again be without Alex Kacaniklic and Lasse Vigen Christensen at Birmingham.

Hayes & Yeading United have added former Wealdstone skipper Sean Cronin to their squad.

Eastcote wheelchair tennis star Andy Lapthorne says his latest doubles victory will stand him in good stead for this year’s Rio Paralympics.

And in boxing, George Groves will fight Scotland’s David Brophy at the O2 Arena ahead of Anthony Joshua’s world heavyweight title challenge against Charles Martin on 9 April.