By Nick Skoric
Jamie Mackie has not been ‘walking in a Mackie wonderland’ since making his return to QPR 18 months ago.
The 31-year-old has suffered long spells on the sidelines, making just 16 appearances last season due to a hamstring injury, and tasted his first bit of action this season in the defeat to Aston Villa.
An ankle ligament problem picked up over the summer ruled the QPR midfielder out but the Scottish international is now ready to do his part for the team.
“It has been frustrating being injured for such a long time but there is nothing you can really do. It has happened and now I just want to play. It was great being out on the pitch after so long but obviously we are disappointed with the result and I want to help the team get back on track,” said Mackie.
The next opponent could not be tougher as the Hoops visit second-placed Brighton on December 27 followed by a visit to Wolves on New Year’s Eve however Mackie is no stranger to the Championship and is looking forward to the challenge.
“People are not expecting us to get a result at Brighton but that motivates us and brings us even more together in the changing room. We are more than capable of getting something from the game and then using that as a springboard to continue getting results. It is said so often how competitive the Championship is but it is so true and no game is a walk in the park for any team. That is the beauty of this league,” added Mackie.
The former Reading man played a crucial role in QPR's promotion to the Premier League in 2011 with nine goals in the first half of the 2010-11 season before breaking his leg in January against Blackburn in the FA Cup that ruled him out until October.
If the attacking midfielder can break the injury curse which has been following his every move since returning to Loftus Road, Holloway could have 'a new signing' in his ranks that can make a difference.
Here's to a 2017 Mackie Wonderland. Merry Christmas readers and see you in the New Year.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
