Cook injury not too serious

29 November 2006

Lee Cook takes on Sunderland pair Danny Collins and Ross Wallace

LEE Cook should be fit for this weekend's derby clash with Crystal Palace despite going off at half-time in QPR's defeat by Sunderland on Tuesday.

Cook, who has been ever-present in the Rangers team this season, was struggling with bruised ribs and was replaced by Ray Jones, who went on to score in the 2-1 loss.

But Rs boss John Gregory confirmed that the winger - who was singled out for some physical treatment by both Coventry and Sunderland - is expected to be available for the trip to south London.

"We brought him off because he's hurt his ribs, but I think he'll be OK for Saturday," said Gregory.

"Cookie's a target because he's a match-winner - if you can stop Lee Cook, you've got a good chance of stopping the supply for Rangers - and he's got to expect that."

Jones, however, will be missing for the Palace game after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign in the closing minutes on Tuesday.

Fellow striker Paul Furlong, who made his long-awaited injury comeback as a late substitute against Sunderland, is likely to be on the bench again at Selhurst Park.