Steve McClaren has indicated that he is ready to bring Ebere Eze back into the QPR starting line-up.

The Rangers manager was minded to recall Eze even before Luke Freeman picked up an injury during the defeat against West Brom.

Freeman is expected to miss Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough, where Eze could be handed a starting place after a spell as a substitute.

“Ebs has had a little breather and he’ll be coming back into the team,” said McClaren, whose team have lost six league matches in a row.

Freeman went off injured against West Brom after Rangers had made all three substitutions.

“He’s got a hip flexor (problem) and it’s hopefully not too bad,” McClaren explained.

“It will be tough to recover him in three days but it’s hopefully not too serious.”

Hall’s ‘niggle’

Grant Hall was rested for the game but is expected to return for the Boro match.

The defender had played four games in a row, making a sudden and emphatic return to action after a long-term knee problem.

McClaren said: “He had a little niggle. He’s played four games in 10 days – an unbelievable comeback when he hasn’t played for a year.

“His level of performance was magnificent and I wanted to play him again but it was too much of a risk.

“Hopefully, leaving him out, he’ll now be fit for Saturday.”







