Tuesday 29 August 2017 16:45, UK
QPR have signed Northern Ireland U21 winger Paul Smyth from Linfield for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year-old passed a medical on Monday and joins the Sky Bet Championship side on a two-year deal.
Smyth, who helped Linfield win the Northern Ireland Premiership title last season, will feature at Elite Development Squad level initially.
"It's a dream come true - it doesn't get much better than this," Smyth told the club's website.
"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."
Smyth also featured for Linfield in the Champions League qualifiers against Celtic in July, with the Scottish Champions advancing thanks to a 6-0 aggregate win.
He was invited to join the Northern Ireland squad at Euro 2016 by manager Michael O'Neill in order to gain experience and boost numbers in training.
Smyth is yet to represent the senior team, but scored for the U21 side in the 1-1 draw away to Ukraine in 2016.
"He's a young talented kid who we really feel can develop at QPR," said director of football Les Ferdinand.
"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 Squad group. But we feel that he's capable of pushing for a place in and around the first team.
"Ian (Holloway) has shown already this season that he's willing to give youngsters a chance, which is what Paul should be striving for."
