QPR MIDFIELDER Jordon Mutch is ‘ready’ for a return to First Team action following a successful run out in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week.





Mutch, who has been sidelined since mid-September with a hamstring injury, played the full 90 minutes against Millwall at the R’s Harlington training ground complex on Thursday, as Rangers ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a Matty Phillips double.





The 22 year-old told www.qpr.co.uk: “It was a valuable run out for me.





“I needed to get 90 minutes under my belt having been out for such a long period of time.





“I felt good and I'm looking forward to getting back involved with the first team when called upon.”





“It's never nice being injured, but it's part and parcel of the game.





“I worked hard during my rehab and now I feel as though I'm ready.





“Hopefully I can kick on now though, because I feel great.”





A regular in the R’s midfield during opening month of the season, Mutch has been forced to watch on from the sidelines in recent weeks, as Rangers have turned the tide with a series of improved performances, culminating in a 2-2 draw against the current Premier League title holders, Manchester City, at Loftus Road last weekend.





“The boys have been doing great in recent weeks, even if we haven't got the points our performances probably deserved,” added Mutch.





“I felt we were unlucky not to get more against Liverpool, Chelsea and City – we played really well in all of those games.





“If we can maintain the performance levels we showed in those three games we should do well this season.





“Football changes week by week – what's important is that we continue to do the right things and then hopefully we can pick up more points.”





Despite returning from injury, Mutch knows he will have to bide his time in a bid to return to the R’s starting XI, with increased competition for places in recent weeks.





“I'll wait patiently for my chance,” he admitted.





“I know if I keep training hard and pushing myself, I'll hopefully push myself into contention for a place in the side.





“There's a good feeling amongst the squad.





“We stuck together when things weren't going our way and now we've turned a corner, we're even more confident.





“We know there's still a lot of work to be done, but we're approaching every game with a positive outlook.





“We always believed in our ability and the recent performances have shown what we're capable of.





“We've got a decent squad here and the competition for places is positive, especially now we've got a fully-fit squad for the manager to choose from.





“There's always someone pushing for a starting role and that competition means everyone is on their toes.”





A trip to St. James Park – the home of in-form Newcastle United – is next up for Redknapp’s reinvigorated side and Mutch is determined to force his way into the reckoning for the fixture in the North East.





“I feel great for getting 90 minutes under my belt and hopefully I can do enough over the next week or so to force my way into the manager's thoughts ahead of the next game,” he said.





“I'm ready and waiting.”



