DANNY Simpson is set to return to the QPR squad for Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough.





Harry Redknapp has revealed Simpson, who has been sidelined with a back injury since mid-January, will be named amongst the R's substitutes for the fixture at the Riverside Stadium.





The news will come as a boost for Redknapp's men, who will be minus the services of the suspended Richard Dunne on Teesside.





"Danny is back which is good news," Redknapp told www.qpr.co.uk.





"He's trained hard and although he hasn't played, we're going to take him with us this weekend because we're short on numbers defensively."





Kevin Doyle will miss the trip north, with the Republic of Ireland international suffering a setback in training this week on a knee ligament injury.





"Kevin is seeing a specialist today (Friday)," said Redknapp.





"We're not sure on the extent of the injury at the moment, but it's not looking good."





Rob Green could be set for a return in goal for the R's, but Jermaine Jenas (hamstring), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (back) and Karl Henry (flu) are all doubts for the game, with Charlie Austin, Alejandro Faurlin, Andy Johnson and Matty Phillips all ruled out owing to long-term injuries.





"Injuries have really hurt us - that's not an excuse, it's a fact" said Redknapp.





"We're not in a disastrous position, we're fourth. We've got more players injured than we have fit, but we're confident still."





Redknapp added: "Boro' will provide a tough test. They've got a decent home record and they’re a dangerous team at the Riverside





"There are so many teams still in the mix for the play-offs. Maybe six or seven for four places, but I'm only focusing on us."



