QPR's Chris Barker has said he hopes to be ready for next week's clash with his former club Cardiff after undergoing a hernia operation.

Barker has exactly a week to recover before Rangers travel to Ninian Park next Tuesday, and the dependable right-back is positive he will be fit given how quickly he returned from a previous hernia operation.

The 27-year-old had surgery on his right side in October 2007 and after experiencing more pain in his left the club decided to send him to Germany for more treatment.

"I've had the problem for about a month and we've been waiting for this gap in the fixtures to get it dealt with," Barker told QPR's official website.

"In October I played the full match against Ipswich after a ten-day break, so I've got a chance."

Barker joined Rangers on a free transfer from the Bluebirds last summer after five years with the Welsh club.