Northern Irish striker Smyth signs on at QPR

(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)

By Alex Beard

QPR have expanded their horizons today to bring in young Northern Ireland Under-21 international Paul Smyth from Linfield.

The striker is expected to link up with Rangers’ Elite Development Squad initially, and joins on a two year deal after an undisclosed fee was agreed with the Belfast-based club.

Smyth passed a medical and signed his contract over the Bank Holiday weekend, and now returns to Northern Ireland for their Under-21 games against Albania and Slovakia.

The 19-year-old spoke to QPR’s official website regarding the move: “It’s a dream come true – it doesn’t get much better than this.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for QPR – back in the Austin and Zamora days especially, they’re two strikers I admire greatly. It’s a great club and I’ve been made to feel really welcome.

“I know this is a massive step up for me, but it’s one I’m relishing. I’m hungry to do well here. I’ll get my head down, work hard and hopefully do enough to impress the manager.”

QPR’s Director of Football Les Ferdinand said: “We’re really pleased to bring him to Rangers, because there was a lot of interest in him from a number of clubs.

“He’ll initially be with our Elite Development group, but we feel that he’s capable of pushing for a place in and around the first team.”