REPUBLIC of Ireland starlet Ryan Manning has joined QPR, signing a two-and-a-half year deal at Loftus Road.

The 18 year-old has penned a deal until the summer of 2017 following the expiration of his contract at Galway United.

R’s boss Harry Redknapp expressed his delight at the arrival of the teenage front-man, commenting: “Ryan is a young lad who has been chased by a number of top clubs in the Premier League. We have managed to secure him and bring him here, so we’re delighted with that. 

“He is a busy player who can play off the left or in behind the striker. He is still young and has a lot to learn but it’s a good gamble for us to take. 

“I think he feels he has got a real chance of playing for us here, and hopefully he will progress with us. We’re certainly pleased to have him.”

Manning, who earned his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland Under-19 set-up in September and has scored once in three appearances at that level, told www.qpr.co.uk: “It feels like a dream come true – it’s all very surreal at the moment.

“There were a few clubs interested, but when I came over and met with the manager and Les (Ferdinand), I was in no doubt that I wanted to move to QPR.

“We spoke at length about QPR and what they thought of me as a player and it just seemed like a really good fit for everyone.

“The opportunity for me to progress as a player at a club like QPR is something I’m really looking forward to doing.

“I have some catching up to do. In my head I have put the first six months to getting used to the set-up, the full-time training and all that. By the start of next season I hope to really push on.

“I’m just delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started.”

The deal is subject to the player receiving international clearance.