Ian Holloway: QPR defender Caulker 'in a fantastic place'

Ian Holloway has said QPR defender Steven Caulker is "in a fantastic place" after he returned to training.

The former Spurs centre-back spoke publicly about his battle with mental illness and addiction earlier in 2017, revealing he contemplated suicide during his darkest moments.

Caulker, 25, who has one England cap to his name, has not featured for his club since October, but Holloway is ecstatic to have the player back in his squad.

Caulker spoke about his personal problems earlier this year. Credit: PA

"I am delighted to have him back," Holloway said at a press conference on Monday.

"That is a potential England centre-half again.

"Obviously it's not ideal for me because he's only just been training with me. It's been pretty well documented. His article in the newspaper was as open as I've ever seen any footballer.

"Part of me was really sad about that, part of me was pleased and proud of him to actually admit that and now he's in a fantastic place. He wants to come back and he wants to work and I can't believe I'm the lucky person who's going to work with him.

"The lads feel the same way. For me, now, it's about helping him, with how up front and honest he's been, to keep playing, keep working and keep improving. I'm delighted to have him."