But striker may yet return to Crewe after their FA Cup tie against Everton

Crewe Alexandra can confirm that forward Tom Hitchcock has made a return to Queens Park Rangers. Hitchcock’s loan had been due to expire on January 7th but with the Alex having a free weekend, the 21-year-old has been allowed to make an early return to Loftus Road to enable him to be available for Rangers’ FA Cup tie with Everton on Saturday.

Hitchcock has been in excellent form since arriving at the Alex in late November. The former Blackburn Rovers forward has bagged three goals in six games for the Alex and has helped the Railwaymen to three crucial League One victories.

He will now hope his form with the Alex can earn him a place in the QPR squad that travel to Goodison Park this weekend.

Discussions regarding Hitchcock’s future after the Everton tie are still on-going between the two clubs with a return to the Alexandra Stadium on a similar loan deal still a possibility.