QPR fans were given a blast from the past on Monday when manager Ian Holloway came on to play for the reserves in a training game against Team Bath.

But Holloway is not planning to make a playing comeback for the Hoops. The 39-year-old was simply making up the numbers for a team depleted by injuries and a fixture clash with the U-19's.

It did give him a chance to take a first-hand look at the the 'R's new striking target, Craig McAllister, who is on trial from non-league Basingstoke Town.

McAllister is the leading scorer in the Ryman Premier Division this season with 19 goals and had already scored for Rangers in a reserve match against Portsmouth.

Initially 'Stoke rejected an offer for their 22-year-old star. Manager Ernie Howe said: "QPR made an offer that wasn't enough. There is a lot of interest in him and that doesn't surprise me."

But McAllister was expected to appear in another reserve fixture against Oxford United on Wednesday and a deal for the player could be soon back on.

Monday's game also saw a goal-scoring return from Andy Thompson after his move to Hull City broke down.

January 30, 2003 09:30