After a slow start, QPR have climbed to fifth in the Championship table and Ian Holloway's men now have their sights firmly set on a return to the top flight. Holloway has done a fine job at Loftus Road, on limited resources, and if the Hoops can maintain their impressive form in the second half on the campaign, a play-off place looks a realistic possibility. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with striker Tony Thorpe, who has endured a frustrating season thus far due to injury, starting just two games. The 30-year-old former Luton front man is currently recovering from a medial ligament problem, but he is hoping to return soon to boost the club's promotion bid.
Q:WHAT IS THE LATEST ON YOUR INJURY PROBLEMS?
A:I was out for ten weeks with an ankle injury and then in my second game back I was tackled by West Ham's Thomas Repka and damaged the medial ligament in my knee. It's been a frustrating time for me, but overall I can't complain because I have been very lucky with injuries during my career.
Q:YOU MUST BE PLEASED WITH THE WAY QPR HAVE BEEN PERFORMING DURING YOUR ENFORCED ABSENCE?
A:The lads have done really well and there is a great team spirit at the club. Wigan and Ipswich apart, I don't think there is a lot between any of the sides in this division and the play-off places look wide open. I don't see any reason why we can't be in the shake-up come May.
Q:WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP?
A:Personally, I think Ipswich will go on to win the league, but Wigan are a strong side and there won't be much between the two. From what I have seen so far, those two teams look head and shoulders above everyone else and I can't see beyond them for the two automatic promotion spots.
Q:HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING WORKING WITH IAN HOLLOWAY?
A:He's a top man. His motivational skills are second to none and he has been great with me while I have been out. When you consider the financial problems at the club, and the lack of money available to him, you have to say he has done a fantastic job.
Q:DO YOU THINK QPR CAN SUSTAIN A PROMOTION CHALLENGE THIS SEASON?
A:It's difficult to say, but at the moment things are looking good. If we can keep winning our home games we have got a great chance, I'll be disappointed if we don't finish in the top ten. When you look at the teams in and around us in the table I don't think we have too much to fear.
Q:YOU MUST BE PLEASED WITH THE START MADE BY YOUR OLD CLUB LUTON?
A:Yes, they are looking really impressive and I can see them winning that league this time round. They had a good start, then lost three on the bounce, but they now look to be back on top of their game. I don't think that League One is particularly strong this season and this could be Luton's year. Hopefully the departure of coach Mick Harford won't have too much of an adverse effect.
Q:YOUR CONTRACT EXPIRES AT THE END OF THE SEASON, ARE YOU HOPING TO STAY WITH THE CLUB?
A:I would certainly like to stay and it is important that I get myself fit and show Ian Holloway and the fans that I am worth another deal. It's frustrating for me because I felt really fit at the start of the season and was hoping to have played more games. I would be disappointed if I left QPR this summer, but at the end of the day it's out of my hands. One thing in my favour is that my goalscoring record reads pretty well throughout my career.
