Ryan Manning has been told he will have to fight for a place in the QPR side following his return to Loftus Road.
Manning has been recalled from a season-long loan at Rotherham, where he made 18 appearances.
With Geoff Cameron out injured and Massimo Luongo with Australia at the Asian Cup, Steve McClaren decided to take up an option enabling Rangers to recall Manning this month.
But Rangers manager McClaren has given the Irishman no guarantees that he will get first-team football.
Manning, 22, still faces competition for a place, with the likes of Jordan Cousins and Josh Scowen also options for McClaren.
“We are pleased to welcome Ryan back,” McClaren told QPR’s website.
“At the start of the season, he wanted to play and we couldn’t guarantee him games. Once we brought Geoff in, it enabled us to release Ryan so he could go out and play in the Championship.
“With Mass away with Australia and Geoff now out, it’s good timing for Ryan to return.
“From speaking with him, he was keen to come back and fight for his place. He knows it’s not guaranteed, he knows the team are doing well but loan spells like the one he has had are a good opportunity for young players.
“I think he has enjoyed it and it has been beneficial for both parties. Now he comes back to us and he’s here to fight for his place.”