Martin Rowlands successfully came through the final 30 minutes of the Reserves' match against West ham United at the Club's Harlington training ground this afternoon.

The QPR second-string suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of their east London opponents, but Ronnie Jepson was able to take great satisfaction from the return of Rowlands.

The 31-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury last October while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, but made an important step in his recovery today.

"It was a big plus to see Martin out there," Jepson told www.qpr.co.uk.

"That's what these games are for, for players like Martin and for the younger lads to gain experience.

"He is a strong character and he showed that today.

"Obviously, having been out for so long, he's going to be a little rusty but he's a really good professional and I am sure he will be feeling a lot better with himself after being involved today and coming through unscathed.

"These games are massive for people like Martin. It helps them get their confidence and their fitness back. You can do all the rehab in the world, but nothing prepares you for a return better than actually playing matches."

Jepson wasn't too downbeat about the scoreline, adding: "We were a bit miss-and-match. We had a couple of trialists out there who we had a look at, and we made a couple of changes which allowed us to get Rowly and Patrick Agyemang on.

"It wasn't all about the result. It was about looking at one or two people, and getting the likes of Rowly out there. It was hugely beneficial to us."

QPR Reserves: Niki-Lee Bulmer, Max Ehmer, Gary Borrowdale, Joe Oastler, Lee Brown, Danny Fitzsimmons, Romone Rose, Jordan Hibbert, Josh Parker, Trialist, Trialist.

Subs: Alessandro Pellicori, Martin Rowlands, Patrick Agyemang, Michael Doughty, Michael Harriman, Elliott Cox, Elvijs Putnins.