ROB Hulse is the surprise inclusion in QPR's new 25-man squad list submitted to the Premier League this afternoon.

The veteran striker failed to feature under previous boss Neil Warnock in the top flight, and was expected to leave Loftus Road in the January transfer window.

However, with injuries to Heidar Helguson, Jay Bothroyd and DJ Campbell, the 32-year-old has been handed a lifeline under Mark Hughes .

Hulse came on as sub in the FA Cup defeat to Chelsea and started in Wednesday night's draw at Aston Villa.

Injured duo Kieron Dyer and Alejandro Faurlin were omitted from the squad, along with winger Hogan Ephraim and Peter Ramage, who have returned to the fold recently.

Youngsters Federico Macheda , Angelo Balanta and Bruno Andrade don't need to be included in the list as they're under 21.

Full squad: Kenny, Cerny, Murphy; Traore, Hill, Hall, Gabbidon, Taiwo, Onuoha, Young, Ferdinand; Derry, Diakite, Buzsaky, Barton, Smith, Wright-Phillips, Mackie, Taarabt; Campbell, Bothroyd, Helguson, Cisse, Zamora, Hulse.

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