QPR manager Ian Holloway has said he is 'delighted' to be able to welcome central defender Steven Caulker back into the fold at Loftus Road, reports Get West London. 

The 24-year-old, who has one cap for England, has struggled with addiction and mental illness during his time at the West London club and on his loan spells elsewhere, as documented in a revealing interview in June.

Holloway's happiness with the return of Caulker is seemingly twofold. First and foremost, the former Leicester manager is pleased to see the towering centre half admit to the problems he has had and set about tackling them head on, which takes immense bravery.

Secondary to that, Holloway knows that if Caulker manages to resolve the personal problems he has undergone off the pitch, he has a centre half of undisputed Premier League quality on his hand, and arguably international class - and at 24, the former Tottenham Hotspur man still has plenty of time to improve and get right to the top of the game.

Holloway also reiterated that Caulker's team mates are right behind him, acknowledging the bravery he has shown by documenting his problems and making the first steps on the ladder to rebuilding his life and health, which may also see him revamp his professional career.

The former Blackpool boss described himself as 'lucky' to be the manager who gets to work alongside Caulker as he returns to action.

The Verdict:

First and foremost, it is clear that Steven Caulker deserves immense respect for being so honest about the problems that have plagued his career and taking them on so publicly.

It is also clear that the most important thing for Caulker is to get his health back on track, and if he then feels ready to make a return to football, then that is all the better.

If that is the case, Holloway is absolutely right when he says that Caulker is a Premier League centre back and a potential England candidate, especially given his age and the current dearth of options available to Gareth Southgate.

QPR fans - what do you make of Holloway's comments? Let us know below...