Football: Spencer's fresh start at QPR

Nationwide League

Stewart Houston, the Queen's Park Rangers manager, is convinced that John Spencer's pounds 2.5m move to Loftus Road from Chelsea can revive his Scottish international career.

"When I knew he was available, I moved quickly because John has the quality we need and I'm very hopeful he is going to be our main goalscorer," Houston said.

"His scoring record at Chelsea was very good and he is also very adaptable - somebody who can slot into other positions. That makes him the kind of player every club wants and if he performs well in this division he'll still get the attention.

"We lost Kevin Gallen with a bad injury right at the start of the season and that severely reduced our options up front, but I'm confident John is going to do a great job for us."

Spencer, who was Chelsea's top scorer last season with 13 goals, is looking forward to the challenge at Queen's Park Rangers, despite dropping down to the First Division from the Premiership. "I'm just glad to get this chance with a club that has faith in me," he said.

Spencer has been joined at Loftus Road by another player who appears not to fit into Ruud Gullit's plans at Chelsea. Gavin Peacock is returning to Rangers on a month's loan and is set to play at Reading today.

Rangers have slipped down the table in recent weeks after going five matches without a win and Houston is determined to revive the club's promotion challenge today. "We've got to get back on the winning track as soon as possible, but Reading certainly won't be easy," he said.

Reading have taken only one point from their last three games and are still without the injured Stuart Lovell and Dariudz Wdowczyk.

Crystal Palace, who have climbed into second place, today entertain another team with promotion aspirations, Wolverhampton Wanderers. David Hopkin, Palace's leading scorer with 12 goals, has been having intensive treatment on a knee injury, but hopes to be fit.

Palace could face their former captain, Geoff Thomas, who has fought his way back to fitness after a 20-month absence with a knee injury. Thomas returned to the Wolves squad last Sunday and came on as a substitute during the home defeat by Birmingham.

The former England midfield player has impressed his manager, Mark McGhee, with his enthusiasm in training this week. McGhee said: "All I am waiting on is for Geoff to say he is ready." Another Wolves midfielder, Jens Dowe, has recovered from a twisted ankle and is available for selection.

Manchester City, who are at home to Tranmere, will be without Simon Rodger, who is struggling with a hamstring injury. City could also be without Steve Lomas, who will have a late fitness test on a hamstring problem. Tranmere could be without Andy Thorn, who has a hamstring problem.

Oxford, who have shown a marked improvement in recent weeks, travel to Oldham, who have also picked up after a miserable start. Les Robinson, who has recovered from a calf injury, may return to the Oxford defence in place of Darren Purse. Lee Richardson could return for Oldham.

Bradford, who travel to Charlton, will give a debut to their new Australian goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer, who has joined from the German club Kaiserslautern for pounds 350,000.