Injured Dyer ruled out for season

QPR midfielder Kieron Dyer has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury which requires surgery.

The former West Ham man picked up a knock in the first game of the season and has not featured for the west London club since.

The 32-year-old – whose career is littered with injuries – was expected to return to action at Loftus Road after Christmas, but an injury in a reserve match against Tottenham has left him needing an operation.

“This is a devastating blow for Kieron,” Rangers manager Neil Warnock told the club website.

“I have never met a more determined pro in my career, and he really doesn’t deserve this.”

“The specialist said he thought Kieron could return before Christmas without the need for an operation and is disappointed that this is not the case, and he has no alternative now but to operate.”

Dyer signed a one-year contract with QPR in July but featured for less than 10 minutes before being stretchered off against Bolton in the opening day 4-0 defeat.

Despite his injury-prone reputation, Warnock is willing to stand by the Ipswich-born attacker, who he claims has shown his worth at the training ground.

“I have absolutely no doubt that he will recover after the operation,” Warnock said.

“We are going to support him as best we can because he has got such a contribution to make, both on and off the field.”

“And even though he has not featured for us, he has made a vital contribution at the training ground and has been very important to have around the place.”

Warnock said the club have the option to terminate the former Newcastle star’s contract in January, and the midfielder is unlikely to be included when the Hoops boss names his 25-man squad for the rest of the season next month.

However, the coach and the QPR chairman have agreed to support Dyer through the rehabilitation process in the hope he will avoid injury in future.

“We are aware that Kieron’s contract can be terminated in January,” Warnock said.

“But, having spoke to (chairman) Tony Fernandes and the rest of the shareholders, we want to support Kieron in this time, even though it may mean he is not in our 25 for the rest of the season.

“I feel he has a lot to offer the club. We will be involving him in many aspects of the club while he rehabilitates.”