QPR defender Gary Borrowdale paid tribute to stricken team-mate Jamie Mackie after the forward’s double leg break sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Borrowdale, who was recalled for the Rs’ FA Cup third round defeat at Blackburn, admitted that the rest of the side knew immediately Mackie’s injury was a severe one.

The Scotland international, who crumpled to the ground following a challenge on Rovers left-back Gael Givet, broke his right leg in two places and is out for a minimum of three months.

“Everyone heard the sound of them coming together and we just hoped for the best, even though we knew it probably wasn’t going to be,” Borrowdale told the Times.

“You could tell by Jamie’s reaction because he’s the type of player that’ll get straight back up and get on with it if he possibly can.

“We’re all disappointed with the result but we’re just thinking of Jamie, really, and wishing him a quick recovery. Knowing him, I’m sure he’ll be trying to get back as soon as he can.”

Mackie’s injury was the second setback for QPR’s forward department within days after a stress fracture had ruled Patrick Agyemang out for a similar period of time.

But Rangers also have problems at the back and the departure of Kyle Walker, coupled with Matthew Connolly’s suspension and Fitz Hall’s injury, ushered Borrowdale into the side at Ewood Park for only the third time this season.

While the 25-year-old left-back did not disgrace himself against Premier League opposition, he is realistic enough to acknowledge that his quest for regular football may soon lead him away from Loftus Road.

“The back four so far this season have been great, so there are no arguments from me about not playing,” Borrowdale added. “I’ve been working in training and if I’m needed, hopefully I won’t be a weak link.

“On another day the game could have gone our way. I think we can be proud of what we’ve done – we showed we’re not fearful of Premier League teams and that’s where we’re aiming to be.

“Every footballer wants to play – that’s the job we love doing and I’m no different to anyone else. I’ll see what the manager says but if I can go and get games, that’s not going to be a bad thing for me.”

Connolly will be available again when Rangers head back to Lancashire to take on Burnley in the Championship this weekend, while Hall and striker Heidar Helguson should return from injury.