Carlisle back in the fold

Clarke Carlisle will be back in action for Queens Park Rangers sooner than expected after a scan revealed his ankle injury is not as bad as feared.

The QPR defender damaged his ankle during the 3-0 win over Grimsby and missed subsequent games against Barnsley and Stockport.

It was first thought Carlisle's season could be over but the swelling around his injury has subsided and he is back in training. He could now return in time for the clash with leaders Plymouth on Saturday.

Carlisle's return could give manager Ian Holloway a dilemma because Matthew Rose and Steve Palmer have formed a strong partnership in his absence.

Plymouth, who will clinch promotion to Division One if they beat Rangers, are today expected to announce the appointment of Bobby Williamson as their new manager.

The Hibernian boss has confirmed he is poised to take over after being interviewed last week by Plymouth chairman Paul Stapleton.

Clyde's Alan Kernaghan and Motherwell manager Terry Butcher were also in the running to replace former Scotland international Paul Sturrock, now in charge of Southampton.