QPR v Middlesbrough preview

Smith set to make Hoops bow, O'Neil lined up for Boro return

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 10th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

QPR v Middlesbrough preview

Smith: Given QPR clearance

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QPR will have Tommy Smith available for Saturday's visit of Middlesbrough but fellow new-boy Rob Hulse will have to wait for his debut.

Smith's deadline-day move from Portsmouth was this week rejected by the Football League but the two clubs have instead arranged a loan switch.

Fellow striker Hulse, another deadline-day arrival from Derby, is still carrying an Achilles injury and will not be ready to feature for the joint leaders for a couple of weeks.

Skipper Fitz Hall is fit after a hamstring injury and will challenge Kaspars Gorkss, who scored for Latvia in midweek, and Matt Connolly for a place at centre-half.

Club captain Martin Rowlands played his third reserve match this week but will not be rushed back after 11 months out with a cruciate injury and fellow midfielder Lee Cook is still missing with knee trouble.

Boro news

Middlesbrough could welcome back captain Gary O'Neil as they seek just their second league win this season at Loftus Road.

The midfielder has made just one appearance this term having been dogged by a troublesome knee injury but he has trained all week after an injection in his knee.

Manager Gordon Strachan is also checking on the fitness of his Scotland internationals.

Midfielder Barry Robson and striker Kris Boyd picked up knocks in the 2-1 win at home to Liechtenstein but centre-half Stephen McManus has already been given the all-clear after heading Scotland's last-gasp winner.

Tarmo Kink complained of a knee injury while on international duty with Estonia and could be doubtful but Mickael Tavares may make his debut after signing on transfer deadline day.

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