QPR’s Mackie close to return to action

QPR boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says Jamie Mackie is close to a return to action.

Mackie has been out for more than three months with a hamstring injury he suffered during his team’s 4-0 defeat at Fulham.

The 30-year-old recently returned to training and wanted to be in the squad for Monday’s game against Huddersfield, but Hasselbaink is keen for him to play for Rangers’ development side before making a first-team comeback.

“Jamie Mackie’s coming back,” the Dutchman declared. “He’s training with the group and was very close to being on the bench.

“But he hasn’t played a match yet, he’s been out for 10 weeks, and it would have been a big risk for him. Jamie is somebody we have to pull back because he’s so full of life.

“I would prefer him to play a few games with the Under-21s first, so that he’s well conditioned, because I can’t afford to lose Jamie again for another 10 weeks.”

Meanwhile, James Perch is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered against Brighton two weeks ago.

“Perchy had a problem with his knee and is training with the physios at the moment,” said Hasselbaink.

“He has not joined the group yet. Hopefully he will be able to join the group ASAP.”