QPR in keeper crisis

Second Division promotion hopefuls Queens Park Rangers have been dealt a major blow with the news that Nick Culkin has been ruled out for seven weeks, leaving the club with no recognised goalkeepers.

Culkin has damaged his cartilage and will require surgery, according to Hoops physio Prav Mathema.

''Nick has a cartilage defect behind his kneecap, which will require surgery,'' confirmed Mathema to the club's official website.

''He first felt pain on Friday and that pain has got continually worse.''

Culkin's latest knock means that QPR are without regular keeper Chris Day and young custodian Jake Cole, who had surgery on his elbow on Monday.

QPR chief executive David Davies has confirmed that boss Ian Holloway will be allowed to sign a replacement keeper on loan.

''Nick's injury has left us in a difficult situation,'' confirmed Davies.

''With no recognised goalkeeper available, we have given the go ahead for Ian to use the loan market.''