Ainsworth Explains Vine Comeback

Gareth Ainsworth believed that it was never the intention of Paulo Sousa to bring injured forward Rowan Vine straight back into first team action.

Paulo Sousa surprised many when Rowan Vine was named among the substitutes for the R`s midweek win over Swansea City, a decision that was met with warm applause from the Loftus Road crowd who knew to well the trials that the former Portsmouth forward had come through.

Gareth Ainsworth revealed that the injury crisis that Rangers found themselves in with both Wayne Routledge and Dexter Blackstock sidelined, prompted Sousa to reluctantly select Vine ahead of schedule.

The reserve team manager spoke to QPR.co.uk in the build up to this evening`s clash with Charlton reserves at Stonebridge Road saying that Vine`s re-introduction was always set to be through the second string.

He said: 'It was always our intention to bring Rowan back at Reserve team level, which is pretty much standard procedure with any long-term injury.

'Injuries to one or two forced us to bring him back into the squad last night, but thankfully the result went our way and we didn't need to risk him and we've managed to stick to the protocol.'

Vine has been pencilled in to start against the Addicks reserves alongside fellow first team squad members Angelo Balanta, Romone Rose and Antonio German. A relatively young side travels to the home of Blue Square Premier outfit Ebbsfleet looking to pick up a positive result.

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