Chris Barker is already making good progress after undergoing his second hernia operation of the season on Tuesday morning.

The 27-year-old required surgery on the right side in October, and this week he went under the surgeon's knife again in order to cure a similar problem on the left side.

Barker returned to Germany to be treated by top surgeon Ulrika Muschaweck, and is now hoping to be available for the R's next fixture, which is at Cardiff City - his former team - next Tuesday.

"I have had the problem for about a month," Barker revealed to www.qpr.co.uk, "and we've been waiting for this gap in the fixtures to get it dealt with.

"It gives me seven days to recover. In October, I played the full match against Ipswich Town after a ten-day break, so I've got a chance.

"I don't think this hernia was as bad as the last one because I already feel at least a day ahead, in terms of recovery."

Barker, who joined the R's in the summer from the Bluebirds, admits the injury has been difficult to deal with.

"It's like having a constant back ache," he explained. "It's particularly bad the morning after a match, you really feel it then."

Barker played some of his best football for Rangers following his previous operation, but says he still has more to give.

"I'm yet to produce what I am really capable of," he added. "I haven't played at my best yet, and I know I've got more to offer."

The Rangers full-back's first task upon recovering from his latest stint under the surgeon's knife is to win back his place in the side.

New signing Damien Delaney played at left back against Barnsley on Saturday, and Barker acknowledged: "The added competition is good for the Club.

"It brings the best out in players. From my perspective, I want to get back into the team as soon as possible."

"This Club is going places and I want to be a part of it. The players want to be in the Premier League, the Club wants to be in the Premier League, and the fans want to be in the Premier League."