O’Brien back in contention

West Ham should have defender Joey O’Brien back from a hamstring injury for the first time since New Year’s Day for tomorrow’s Premier League clash against QPR at Upton Park.

Centre-back James Collins (hamstring) will be assessed, but midfielder Mark Noble has shrugged off a calf problem while Joe Cole comes into contention having been rested for the midweek FA Cup third-round replay defeat at Manchester United.

New signing Wellington Paulista may need more time before being included.

Mali forward Modibo Maiga is away at the African Nations Cup and striker Andy Carroll and defender George McCartney (both knee) continue their rehabilitation.

Provisional squad: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Potts, Reid, Collins, Tomkins, Jarvis, J Cole, Noble, Collison, Vaz Te, Nolan, Diarra, C Cole, Chamakh, O’Brien, O’Neil, Taylor, Diame, Spiegel.