Mahon injury latest

QPR have confirmed Gavin Mahon needs a knee operation and looks set to be out of action for at least four months.

The midfielder, who ironically has been deputising for the injured Martin Rowlands this season, has been sent for surgery with club physio Paul Hunter believing it will work out the best course of action in the long term.

"It's an unfortunate injury," Hunter told the club's website.

"It's reached a stage where he needs to go under knife and although the timing isn't exactly perfect, we're confident it will prove to be the best course of action in the long term."

Boss Jim Magilton has admitted the loss of Mahon is a blow but it gives other players in his squad the chance to stake a claim for a regular role.

"Of course it's a blow losing another very experienced player," he said.

"We suffered a major setback earlier in the season by losing Martin (Rowlands) but bounced back in style and I'm confident we've got the squad to bounce back again from this one.

"It represents someone with a chance to stake a claim for the shirt and like I've said all along this season, it's a squad game nowadays and everyone will have to stand up and be counted at some stage."

Meanwhile, Rowan Vine has also undergone a minor hernia operation in Germany although he should be back in contention within a fortnight.