Kirkland could be back to face promotion-chasers

Chris Kirkland could return for tomorrow’s home clash with Harry Redknapp’s QPR.

Kirkland was a late withdrawal on Saturday after aggravating his calf injury in the warm-up against Birmingham but Stuart Gray is hopeful he will be fit to face Rangers.

Joe Mattock is in contention for a recall after a thigh problem and Gray hopes Sam Hutchinson recovers from a knee injury.

Promotion-chasing QPR have keeper Rob Green out with cracked ribs, midfielders Armand Traore and Jermaine Jenas could be missing with hamstring injuries and on-loan midfielder Ravel Morrison is a doubt with a groin problem.