Jamie Mackie went to the FA Cup semi-final in hoops last season - sadly, they were Reading’s and not QPR’s.

Needless to say the Rs midfielder would like another go to not only kickstart his season - but Hoops as well.

Mackie was a hamstring victim in the 4-0 debacle at Fulham in September, but made his return as a second-half sub in the 2-1 last-minute defeat to Hull on Friday.

(Image: Action Images / John Marsh)

It’s been a frustrating spell for the 30-year-old retuned to the club in summer, but he has a chance to make up for lost time starting with the away FA Cup tie at previous club Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Forest were the club who actually released him in June after his loan spell and semi-final glory with the Royals ended, so the City Ground has a bit more going for it than most as far as Mackie's concerned.

He said: “Being against Forest and I know a lot of the lads in the changing room up there. I went on a Cup run last year albeit in a poor league season, and it gives the side a chance to puff their chests out without the pressure of the league.

“It’s been one of the most frustrating spells of my career, and I want to have a big impact for the second half of the season.

“As players we need to be counted, and only we can turn it around. We’ve got to stick together as players so we can go on a run,” he told the club's website.