Helguson has been in good form for QPR

“Heidar Helguson had engineered himself a modest career in English football – Watford, Fulham and Bolton Wanderers”

Lazarus rising from the dead, a phoenix rising from the flames, use whatever metaphor you will, Heidar Helguson is proving that his career is far from complete.

The 34-year-old had engineered himself a modest career in English football – Watford, Fulham and Bolton Wanderers his clubs of choice while amassing a wealth of caps for his native Iceland.

Beset with injuries, Trotters fans gladly waved goodbye to the striker that saw more time on the treatment table than on the field as Paulo Sousa handed him a QPR life-line.

The managerial merry-go-round at Loftus Road saw Heidar in and out of the line-up, fitting perfectly into the Sousa style, while Jim Magilton’s total football failed to compliment the striker’s strengths.

After disappearing to Watford, many would be forgiven for thinking his QPR career was done, and despite my fondness for the forward I conceded that the club would need to look elsewhere for goals.

Step forward Neil Warnock – the promotion season saw the re-emergence of potent forward, to the surprise of many including the Rangers boss, but style of man-management had stirred the beast.

Here we are a year later – Helguson has netted five in five including a winning goal against Chelsea, cementing his place in the side as well as in the hearts of many previous sceptics.

The turn-around resembles that of Paul Furlong, harangued onto the field against Vauxhall Motors, but barely months later leading the line to great adulation at the Milennium Stadium.

Sometimes man-management can inspire a transformation, but this I would compare more to a resurrection as Helguson continues to play the finest football of his career.