QPR boss Ian Holloway was delighted to see Matthew Rose return to first-team action as his side beat Brighton 2-1 in the LDV Vans Trophy on Sunday.
The utility man has been plagued by injuries recently but made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute against the Seagulls.
"Matthew is a terrific footballer - one of my unsung heroes - and it's great to see him back playing for us," the Rangers boss said.
"He's been through a tough time."
Holloway also revealed that he would love to win through to the final of the competition and lead his side out at the Millennium Stadium.
"It would be wonderful to go back to Cardiff. It's a lovely dream and we're in the business of making dreams reality," he added.
"When I was a player at Bristol Rovers we got to the final of the tournament and won promotion in the same season, and it would be great to do something like that again."