R's gaffer Neil Warnock was delighted to see Jamie Mackie return to action today after nine months on the sidelines.

Mackie came on for the final 20 minutes of the Reserves' 5-3 win over Brighton at Harlington, much to everyone's surprise.

"I didn't want anyone knowing that he was going to play in the match today," Warnock revealed to www.qpr.co.uk after the final whistle.

"I decided yesterday that he would be involved, and told Nigel Cox (Head Physio) that I wanted him to have 20 minutes.

"I knew it would give him a big lift mentally to feature, but I didn't tell Jamie until after today's training session. He didn't need asking twice!"

Mackie only returned to full training last Friday following his double leg break against Blackburn in January, and Warnock joked: "It was just nice to get him out of the way of us, because he's been like a rash with the First Team since he's returned!

"He had two opportunities when he came on which he unfortunately put wide, but we are all absolutely delighted to see him in the hooped shirt again.

"I have never seen anyone work as hard as him to get fit.

"He can't wait to be involved with the First Team again, so let's help everything carries on the way it's going for him at the moment.

"He will continue to train with us now, and hopefully get 90 minutes for the Reserves next week, and then we'll look to get him involved."

*Exclusive highlights from the Reserves 5-3 victory over the Seagulls will be available on QPR Player tomorrow. To subscribe, click here.