I had the works last week - high temperature, no appetite and absolutely no energy whatsoever. I tried to train on Thursday in the hope I would make the Stoke game, but the manager sent me home.

So the only thing I have done all week is make the long walk from my bedroom to the kitchen at Bignot mansions, because my butler is on holiday.

I visited the club doctor on Monday with Marc Bircham - who is also ill - for some blood tests. Birch has a phobia about needles, even though he has a big tattoo on his shoulder, and the nurses said he should have been in the children's ward.

I laughed my head off, before it was my turn, and - guess what? - I found I have a phobia as well! I didn't pass out, but I got the sweats, which was a bit embarrassing.

It was difficult missing The FA Cup game, because we hadn't been in the Third Round for a while before this year. There were a few fairytales last week as well, and it was a shame we couldn't be one of them.

I watched Yeading's match against Newcastle from my sickbed, and I was gutted they couldn't pull off a shock. But it was one of those games, where even though they lost, they ended the game winners, if you get my meaning.

I just want to play again, and get my place back in the team, and I hope to be back in training on Monday. It will be like pre-season again for me.

No-one likes missing games, and time out of the team gives you a bit of hunger again.

Since I have been out we have brought in Andy Davies from Middlesbrough, who can play in the same position is me.

Any player who says the old cliche "I enjoy competition for places in my position, blah blah," is lying. I'll welcome more players in any position except mine. Ian Holloway can bring in as many strikers or goalkeepers as he likes!

But as I say it will give me a bit of hunger and stop complacency creeping in, which can only be a good thing.

Finally a word about Birmingham Ladies' 9-1 win - let me say that again... 9-1 win - over Doncaster in The FA Cup. Perhaps I should stay away more often! Bring on Fulham in the next round.

Catch you next week,

Marcus Bignot

QPR play Stoke at Loftus Road on Friday 14 January at 7.45pm, then Coventry at Highfield Road on Saturday 22 January.