Ipswich vs Queens Park Rangers - Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy primed for QPR visit

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy admits he is "relishing" his side's Boxing Day challenge against Championship promotion rivals QPR.

The Tractor Boys head into the festive fixtures hoping to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat to high-flying Derby last time out as they sit just inside the play-off zone and Luke Hyam is in contention for a place in the squad after being recalled from his loan at Rotherham.

McCarthy told the club's official website: "(QPR boss) Jimmy (Floyd Hasselbaink) has made a big impact in his managerial career so far and seems to have revitalised QPR. They've got a good squad of players and will feel they can reach the play-offs.

"I look at Leeds, who have won three on the bounce, Sheffield Wednesday, Reading - who have got Brian McDermott back in charge. They will all feel they can make the top six as well. So do we. It's a more competitive division than ever this season but we are right in there challenging for the top six and relishing that challenge as well."

QPR will be without striker Charlie Austin for the festive period.

Austin, who has scored 10 times for the Loftus Road outfit this season, missed the 1-1 draw at Bristol City after he sustained a hamstring injury in training and manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink revealed on Thursday he will miss "a few weeks".

Hasselbaink's side are unbeaten in his first three games since he was unveiled as the new QPR manager earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Chris Ramsey is reportedly set to return to QPR as their new technical director despite being sacked as manager only seven weeks ago.