QPR man hit with injury blow as Alan Shearer makes Sunderland promotion claim

The international break has now taken hold, with the top two ties of English football on hold for two weeks. Millwall have gone into the break on fine terms, only two points off the top six after a stellar start to the campaign.

It has been anything but for QPR, who are marooned to the bottom of the table having only won one game up to this point. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding the second tier clubs.

Thompson on Millwall’s chances

Former Millwall man Ben Thompson has backed the Lions for a playoff push this season, with Neil Harris’ men already flirting with the top six. “Yeah of course [they can make a play-off push],” Thompson told the South London News. “Definitely.

“When Millwall are at their best and The Den is rocking and the fans are right behind the club, anything can happen. Over the last five, six years we’ve been close a couple of times. There’s no reason why not. I’m sure soon enough we’ll do it and hope they do it this season.

“There’ve been some terrific results under Neil and a lot of lads still there that I played with as well and I’m good friends with.  It’s brilliant to see them doing so well. I’m cheering them on. I watch a few games on the telly and watch a few of the highlights. I’m delighted for Millwall and Neil and David Livermore and everyone else there.”

Larkeche blow

QPR loan exile Ziyad Larkeche has been dealt a huge injury blow during his time with loan club Dundee. The left-back has been ruled out for up to three months with a hamstring injury, according to The Courier.

The report details that Larkeche has torn his hamstring, and will now be out for months, stunting his solid start in Scotland. The defender has made 12 league appearances, scoring three times.

Shearer’s Sunderland claim

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has been speaking about Sunderland’s promotion chances, with the Black Cats currently top of the Championship.

Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, Shearer said: “Yes, definitely. Absolutely. We want Sunderland back in the Premier League because it's guaranteed six points for us, isn't it? That might come back and bite me in the future. You want to play in those games. They're great derby games to play in St James' and at Sunderland. So, yeah, I want them. I do actually want them back up because they're not only good games for the players, but for the fans to look forward to as well.”