Vine raring to go after a year of injury misery

Rowan Vine is set to make his long-awaited return for Queens Park Rangers against Swansea.

The forward, 26, needed surgery on a double leg fracture after a training-ground clash with keeper Matt Pickens last April.

Vine suffered a succession of set backs during his recovery, but has been travelling with the squad in recent weeks.

He is in line to play a part tonight and boss Paulo Sousa said: "Rowan has travelled with us over the last couple of weeks and he has now made the next step up.

"There is a real possibility he will feature at some point against the Swans, which is fantastic for Rowan and QPR."

The club's head physio Paul Hunter added: "Rowan has been thoroughly professional throughout the whole process and it's great that he's back in the fold.

"He's been training with the first-team squad for over a month and has shown that he's ready to step up and fight for his place.

"I couldn't be happier for him - and I'm sure the fans will echo those sentiments, too."

Vine's return is a huge boost for Sousa who is under-pressure to halt the club's slide down the Championship table and get back into contention for the play-offs.

Sousa is also buoyed by the return of Heidar Helguson from his groin injury, while Samuel Di Carmine should be past fit from his foot problem.

Full-back Damien Delaney is also pushing for a return after a foot injury, however, winger Lee Cook is still missing with a knee problem.

On-loan Tottenham midfielder Adel Taarabt is expected to make his home debut after coming on as a substitute in the draw with Southampton on Saturday.