EXCLUSIVE: No return date for injured QPR striker

EXCLUSIVE: No return date for injured QPR striker

Ian Cooper, QPR correspondent
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
1:13 PM


Rangers striker Jamie Mackie in dark on his injury return

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Jamie Mackie admits he has no idea when he will next kick a ball for QPR.

The Rs striker has no specific date for his return to football, as he continues to recover from the broken leg sustained against Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup in January.

Mackie initially wanted to be fit for the start of the season, plans which the club’s head physio Nigel Cox last month confirmed were now on hold, and Mackie confirmed that he has put all thoughts of appearing for the first team out of his head as he continues his rehabilitation.

“To be honest, I’m not even thinking about playing, when I’m back I’m back, but for now all I can do is focus on getting my leg right and getting fit,” Mackie told the Times.

“There isn’t really a time-scale. I’m ambitious, and sort of set my own date in my head which hasn’t worked out. It’s frustrating because I was really enjoying my football least season.

“It’s all part of the healing process, it isn’t one of those things where I can work harder and it’ll heal quicker, it was a bad injury and it needs patience, which I’m not great at.

“But the medical team here, and Nigel Cox in particular, have been fantastic.”

Mackie scored eight goals in QPR’s first eight games of last season, but a loss of form saw him hit the net just once more before his injury at Ewood Park ended his season.

It is his early-season form which Mackie seeks to find when he returns, although he admits that the Rs’ acquisition of Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell will heighten the battle for places up front.

“I’ve missed football massively, I can’t wait to get back in the thick of the action and when I do, I know I’ll score goals,” added Mackie.

“There is going to be more competition for places this season, but that’s essential for us. Jay Bothroyd is a quality footballer and you need players like him in the side because they give everyone a boost.”

And while Mackie will not be on the pitch on Saturday afternoon, he is desperate to see his team-mates get off to a winning start against Bolton, and believes a strong start to the season is crucial.

“Looking at the first few games, we’ve got a couple of home games and we’re not playing any of the top six sides, so we have a chance to get off to a good start,” he added.

“You need to get into a winning mentality as soon as possible, and to do that we need to make a good start, gain some confidence and go from there.

“We need to be solid as a team and I know we will be – it’s a great opportunity for all of us and we’re raring to go.”

http://www.london24.com/sport/champ..._return_date_for_injured_qpr_striker_1_988921

 

Really hope he doesn't end up being another Vine & struggle to come back from injury - think he's probably got a better attitude so fingers crossed.

 

I don't see that happening. His desire to play seems much greater.

 

That's a bit of a downer I still think he will have a great season.

 

Sad to hear - was looking forward to seeing how he would cope with the step up and how he's recovered - as above, lets hope he's not another Vine

 

Very sad for Jamie, Hope he gets some good news soon.