QPR boss says it was ‘touch and go’ whether LuaLua would return
Ian Holloway has told QPR’s website he believed it was “touch and go” whether Brighton would allow Kazenga LuaLua to return to Loftus Road on loan.
West London Sport recently revealed that Rangers were set to re-sign the winger on loan until January.
The deal was confirmed on Friday and LuaLua is available for the game against Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.
He spent the second half of last season on loan with the R’s, making 11 appearances – nine of them as a substitute.
He spent nearly two months of that loan spell out with ankle trouble but Holloway believes the 26-year-old has put his injury problems behind him.
“I wasn’t actually sure it was going to be possible because he had such a good pre-season with Brighton and it was touch and go whether they were going to let him go out again,” the Rangers boss said.
“He is in a really good place after getting a very good pre-season under his belt, and this is a great opportunity for us.”
Holloway has also suggested that he has brought LuaLua back to be a first-choice rather than squad player.
He said: “Some of the times when we used him last season, he turned games for us and I would prefer him to do that from the start of matches, rather than as a sub.”
LuaLua will wear the number 35 shirt and joined the squad for the trip to face Wednesday after his move was finalised.
“It’s good to be back. I know the boys here, I know the manager, so this was a very easy decision for me,” he said.
“I went back to Brighton to do pre-season and see how things would go, but in my mind I always wanted to come back to QPR.
“My pre-season went well, but it’s about playing games. It’s not about me staying at Brighton because they are in the Premier League, I want to get out and play, and enjoy my football.
“I am happy to be here and hopefully I can help the team.”
