SPANIARD Jordi Lopez could make his QPR debut today after signing on loan from Real Mallorca.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

SPANIARD Jordi Lopez could make his QPR debut today after signing on loan from Real Mallorca.

Whether he starts or comes off the bench is something R's manager Paulo Sousa must decide after seeing him in training in the past couple of days.

The 27-year-old's arrival has added to Ranger's already formidable midfield and Mikele Leigertwood believes he will fit in well.

Leigertwood said: “Jordi has come in and already shown good potential in training. He is comfortable on the ball and will fit in to any system because he can play anywhere in midfield.”

With enormous financial backing from Formula One bosses, Rangers are able to supplement their squad at will and Liegertwood admits Lopez will provide serious competition for places.

He added: “It keeps everyone on their toes.

“Those in possession of the shirt will be extra determined to put in a performance because there is another player competing for their starting berth.

“The manager has made it clear that everyone will play their part so it is up to each and every player to be on top of their game.”

Rangers are looking to make it 10 games unbeaten in the Championship but after two week's activity now face a testing run of nine games in 28 days.

Although QPR were overtaken by Town after they beat Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, they remain level on points and have two game sin hand so it is vital for both sides to win today, and not just draw.

Leigertwood said: “We want to keep the run going to keep us in among the hunt. We have not played for a while and have dropped a few places in the table as a result but in general the results of the teams around us have not been too bad for us and we are still in a strong position.

“This is a hugely important fixture for us. Ipswich are a good side who are playing well on their travels but we are at home and we will be going out to win the match in style.”

Lee Cook is expected to return to the left side of midfield after suspension and Rangers will welcome back Heidar Helguson and Radek Cerny after the pair resumed full training on Monday.

Cerny has been suffering with a hamstring injury since the win at Derby but could return in place of Lee Camp this weekend. Helguson missed the draw at Forest with a calf problem but should also return to replace Sam Di Carmine who was stretchered off in that match.

Ipswich are not expected to make many changes with Jon Walters starting in place of Danny Haynes who will miss out with a hamstring strain.

Skipper Gareth McAuley has recovered from a calf injury picked up while making a last gasp tackle on Nathan Tyson to deny Forest a late equaliser.

QPR squad: Camp, Cerny, Connolly, Hall, Stewart, Gorkss, Delaney, Leigertwood, Routledge, Lopez, Leigertwood, Miller, Mahon, Blackstock, Ephraim, Rose, Alberti, Di Carmine, Helguson.

Ipswich Town squad: R Wright, Supple, D Wright, Thatcher, Volz, Bruce, Balkestein, McAuley, Shumulikoski, Miller, Garvan, Quinn, Norris, Bowditch, Walters, Lisbie, Stead, Counago.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk