MARTIN Rowlands has handed boss Neil Warnock a major fitness boost ahead of the new campaign.

The QPR boss watched the deal to get Darren Ambrose from Crystal Palace go up in flames this week – but had the heat taken out of his quest for a midfielder after learning Rowlie can now join in contact training.

The crocked player has battled back from nearly a season out with cruciate damage, and given his manager hope he will be back in the first team by the end of August.

Warnock said: “He’s as fit as he can be, and we’re hoping he can go on from here.”

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