Queens Park Rangers Handed Massive Boost Ahead Of Sunderland Clash

Queens Park Rangers have been handed a big boost ahead of this weekend’s clash with Sunderland as head coach Gareth Ainsworth has confirmed that central defender Jimmy Dunne will be back in action very soon.

At the end of July, the former Burnley centre-back was stretchered off in the first half of a 5-0 defeat to Oxford United in pre-season, dealing a further blow to QPR who were already light at the back due to the loss of Jake Clarke-Salter through injury.

Rangers suffered an embarrassing 4-0 loss on the opening day of the season away at Watford and managed to secure the services of experienced central defender Steve Cook from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee merely four days later.

Unfortunately, the ex-Bournemouth man was taken off at half-time against Middlesbrough in the last match and is still being assessed over whether he is fit enough to start this weekend at home to Sunderland.

Nevertheless, the potential loss of Cook will be subsidised by the return of Jimmy Dunne. Speaking before the international break, the former Wycombe Wanderers boss confirmed that the 25-year-old would be back pretty soon [quotes via the Sunderland Echo]:

“Jimmy’s going to be back very shortly after the international break, if not directly after it.

“[He’s] a great lad, has great enthusiasm and is a character in the dressing room and on the pitch,” Ainsworth continued.

“He’s been huge for us and he’s champing at the bit to get back involved. Jimmy’s definitely a big part of my plans.”

Dunne may return this weekend as QPR take on his former side in Sunderland and Ainsworth will be hoping that the Republic of Ireland international is ready to step out on the grass should Cook be ruled out.

Writer’s View

The return of Dunne is a huge booster for QPR, particularly since the team have conceded eight goals in five games already.

Ainsworth has been rather unlucky over the past few months, with several key players sustaining injuries but the Irishman coming back can only be a boost for the London club.