Jimmy Dunne, a central defender for Queens Park Rangers, will return to action very soon, according to head coach Gareth Ainsworth, giving the team a huge boost ahead of this weekend’s match against Sunderland.
A second blow to QPR, who were already thin at the back after losing Jake Clarke-Salter to injury, came at the end of July when the former Burnley center-back was stretchered out in the first half of a 5-0 loss to Oxford United in preseason.
Four days after an ugly 4-0 defeat at Watford on the first day of the season, Rangers acquired the services of seasoned center back Steve Cook from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed sum.
Unfortunately, the former Bournemouth player was substituted at halftime against Middlesbrough in the most recent game, and his readiness to start this weekend at home against Sunderland is still being determined.
Nevertheless, the potential loss of Cook will be subsidised by the return of Jimmy Dunne. Speaking before the international break, the former Wycombe Wanderers boss confirmed that the 25-year-old would be back pretty soon [quotes via the Sunderland Echo]:
“Jimmy’s going to be back very shortly after the international break, if not directly after it.
“[He’s] a great lad, has great enthusiasm and is a character in the dressing room and on the pitch,” Ainsworth continued.
“He’s been huge for us and he’s champing at the bit to get back involved. Jimmy’s definitely a big part of my plans.”
Dunne may return this weekend as QPR take on his former side in Sunderland and Ainsworth will be hoping that the Republic of Ireland international is ready to step out on the grass should Cook be ruled out.
Author’s Opinion
Given that the squad has already given up eight goals in five games, Dunne’s return is a significant boost for QPR.
Ainsworth has had some bad luck lately with a number of important players suffering injuries, but the Irishman’s return can only be positive for the London club.
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