JACK McDowell has joined QPR's Development Squad ahead of the new season.
The centre-half, 18, moves to W12 following a decade in the academy of Aston Villa, who he signed for as an Under-9.
"I'm excited," McDowell told
www.qpr.co.uk. "The opportunity came to trial with QPR for a week and I really enjoyed it.
"I really liked the players, the facilities, the coaches and all the staff. Then I was lucky enough to be offered a deal and it was an opportunity I had to take.
"Now the aim is to do well for the Development Squad - pushing to train and play with the first team.
"There is a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I know it's something that I can achieve. I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Jack also revealed a conversation set up with R's defender Jimmy Dunne ahead of him putting pen to paper.
He said: "When I came close to signing for QPR, the club set up a phone-call with Jimmy and I've