THE elegant Ray Wilkins is one of the most talented midfielders British soccer has ever produced.

These days he is the manager of struggling Queens Park Rangers but on Saturday will be pulling on his boots to face Blackburn Rovers at Loftus Road.

And as soon as he takes to the pitch, the pressure will be off.

The 39-year-old playmaker, though forced to include himself in a Rangers' side ravaged by injury, is looking forward to the challenge.

"I'm at my happiest when I'm on the field," said the former Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan star. "And I'll play until I can no longer keep going."

Wilkins has been pressed into action because of injuries and illness to key men like former Rovers' player SImon Barker, Ian Holloway, Kevin Gallen and new recruit Mark Hately.

But he doesn't put his side's current lowly position - they are only one place off the bottom - to his growing injury list.

"I never use that as an excuse because every manager has to deal with them.

"The way I see it is that it gives me a chance to see some of my younger players in Premiership action."

Rangers have already faced Rovers on the opening day of the season at Ewood when they lost to what Wilkins described as 'a hotly disputed penalty'.

"There wasn't much between us on the day and I was upset at the penalty decision. But that's history and I am sure it will be equally as close on Saturday."

Rovers go into the match still looking for their first win on the road and Wilkins is determined they won't break the sequence at Loftus Road - especially as QPR are buoyant after their super 2-0 FA Cup win at Tranmere.

"That was a real confidence booster for the lads and much needed.

"I am just as puzzled as everyone else by Blackburn's away form but Ray Harford has brought in some good players.

"I am a big fan of Chris Coleman. He is a terrific player and I am sure he will strike up a good partnership with Colin Hendry at the back. Colin has been titantic in recent seasons."

The QPR boss revealed that he tried to sign Coleman from Crystal Palace but could not raise the cash - a problem with a side known as a selling rather than a buying team.

A classic example of their selling to survive was the disposal of striker Les Ferdinand to Newcastle, now re-writing the record books on Tyneside.

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