Report: QPR player nearing long-awaited return to action could feature against Coventry City.

QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth has stated that centre-back Jimmy Dunne might return to the development squad next week.
Dunne was a staple at the back for QPR for much of last season. He started under Michael Beale, Neil Critchley, and subsequently Ainsworth, appearing 40 times in the Championship.

However, the 25-year-old defender hasn’t been seen yet this campaign. He dislocated his shoulder in the pre-season defeat to Oxford United and has been on the road to recovery ever since, leaving Ainsworth fairly short on options at the heart of defence.

Now though, with Coventry City up next, it has been said that Dunne could be part of the squad.

R’s manager Ainsworth told West London Sport that while he won’t start and is unlikely to feature in the game, he could be in and around the team. Next Tuesday’s development squad game against Millwall might signal Dunne’s return to play.

According to Ainsworth:

“There’s a game next week, and Jimmy would benefit from some playing time.”

“If Jimmy was needed to play this weekend, he would be available.” There would be little danger.

Back into the QPR team?

Dunne was a mainstay under Ainsworth last season. He held down a regular spot at the back and started every Championship game from November 12th until the end of the campaign, so you have to think he stands a good chance of getting back his starting spot.

There has been a change in system though. Ainsworth’s switch to a back three has seen Morgan Fox, Steve Cook and Osman Kakay line up as centre-backs, with the latter operating on the right-hand side having spent his entire career as a full-back.

Dunne’s priority will be getting back to full match sharpness but when he is ready to battle for a starting spot, it will be interesting to see just where he slots into the QPR backline.