The one game Nedum Onuoha really wanted to play two seasons ago saw the QPR defender’s backside planted firmly on the bench.

Rangers beat Sunderland 3-1 in March 2013, with goals from Loic Remy, Andros Townsend and a cake icer from Jermaine Jenas in the 90th minute.

It was one of only four victories in a wretched campaign that saw Rs take the plunge at the end of the season.

Three of the four players are still with the club that includes Jenas in the middle of a lengthy rehab. But Onuoha hopes this time he gets minutes against a team where he had a golden spell in 2010-11 on loan from Manchester City.

“I played in almost every Sunderland game under Steve Bruce, and we eventually finished 10th.

“I have fond memories of my time, and I’m looking forward to it because I didn’t play last time,” he said.

Onuoha was barely consolable after his appearance off the bench on Sunday in the 4-0 defeat to Spurs, even though Rs conceded just once while he was on the pitch.

“I guess it’s kind of good for the confidence,” he grudgingly admitted, “but we still lost.”