Jones respects Smith's decision

Dave Jones thought he had Manchester United striker Alan Smith in the bag before the player decided he was staying put at Old Trafford.

The Cardiff boss was hoping to complete a loan deal for the 25-year-old but Smith opted to put himself through a punishing training regime instead in a bid to regain full fitness.

Jones, whose Coca-Cola Championship leaders welcome QPR to Ninian Park tonight, said: “I thought we had a good opportunity to get him but Alan himself felt that he wouldn’t do himself any justice and then that doesn’t do us any justice by coming out.

“He didn’t feel he was ready to play week-in, week-out and you have to stand by that decision.

“I thought we’d got him at one stage but you have to respect the decision the boy has made.”

Jones faces good friend John Gregory, who has revived Rangers’ fortunes since taking charge towards the end of September.

It ended a three-and-a-half-year sabbatical for the former Aston Villa boss, who spent his time out of the game as pundit.

“I’m glad he’s back. I’ve been friends with him for a long time,” Jones added.

“He became a soccer expert but now he’s come back into the line of fire. He’s not found it as easy as he did behind the desk.”

City teenager Chris Gunter is poised to make his full league debut. The 19-year-old, who recently signed a new three-year deal at Ninian Park, could come in at right-back to replace James Chambers, who has returned to Watford following a loan spell.

Winger Paul Parry must shake off a dead leg with Willo Flood and Malvin Kamara on standby to deputise.

Striker Steven Thompson has returned to training following a hamstring strain, although the best the Scotland international can hope for is a place among the substitutes.

Cardiff are still without on-loan full-back Kerrea Gilbert, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

The match could be Michael Mancienne’s last for QPR, with the defender’s loan deal from Chelsea set to expire.

However, boss Gregory will seek permission to extend the stay of the England Under-19 international.

Rangers are likely to be without veteran striker Kevin Gallen after he lasted only nine minutes of last weekend’s substitute appearance against Luton.

However, midfielder Steve Lomas should return from suspension, while Martin Rowlands could be back after missing the last three matches due to a groin problem.

Young forward Ray Jones is still struggling with a hip problem, while defender Pat Kanyuka (hamstring) is likely to miss out along with forward Paul Furlong, who is still building match-fitness following a thigh injury.

Marc Bircham is also out with a hamstring injury.