Returning hero Paddy Kisnorbo admitted Saturday's return to action "meant the world" after he was handed the final 15 minutes of the win at QPR.

It was the Australian international's first taste of action since he suffered a serious Achilles injury against Millwall at Elland Road in March 2010.

"It felt fantastic," said Paddy.

"It's been a long, hard 14 months and it was nice to be rewarded. It meant the world to me.

"I'm just happy and glad that I had 15 minutes back playing. When we went 2-1 up, the gaffer said he would put me on for the final 10 minutes or so, and when I heard those words I thought it was fantastic.

"It was a nice reception from the fans and it was nice to see them and come back."

Paddy has endured a long road back to fitness and, while the Australian's character has been praised by everyone involved with the club, he admits there were times when he wondered if he would return.

"A lot of the time you wonder, but I came back through hard work and dedication," he said.

"The physio, Harvey, and the backroom staff believed in me and it paid off."

Some things never change, though, and Paddy stepped on to the playing surface wearing the now familiar bandage that he sported last season after suffering a head injury.

"It's tradition now," he said. "I can't break that. I got some stick before the game, but it's me now and I'll continue to wear it for every game."