Updated at 17.30
QPR HAVE SIGNED Ireland U19 international Ryan Manning on a two-and-a-half year deal.
The Premier League club have beaten competition from several other clubs for the signature of the highly-rated 18-year-old forward, who helped Galway United win promotion from the SSE Airtricity League First Division last season — scoring against UCD in both play-off games.
Rs boss Harry Redknapp is delighted with the arrival and says he has high hopes for the teenager.
“Ryan is a young lad who has been chased by a number of top clubs in the Premier League,” Redknapp said. “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 has three caps for Ireland at U19 level, can’t believe the deal has finally gone through after meeting with Redknapp and Head of Football Operations Les Ferdinand.
“It feels like a dream come true – it’s all very surreal at the moment,” explained the Galway native.
“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.”
Originally published at 16.15
