QPR hand trial to Chelsea 'smoke-grenade' midfielder Jacob Mellis

Jacob Mellis set off a smoke grenade (GETTY IMAGES)

QPR have handed a trial to Jacob Mellis, who recently parted company with Chelsea after setting off a smoke grenade at their training ground.

The midfielder, 21, played and scored in Rangers' 2-1 reserve defeat against West Ham yesterday.

Mellis, who spent last week training with npower Championship side Burnley, left Chelsea "by mutual consent" last month after admitting to the smoke-grenade prank.

Yesterday's friendly also witnessed the return of QPR strikers Heidar Helguson and DJ Campbell from injuries that have sidelined them for more than two months.

PA