Gary O'Neil: QPR sign former West Ham midfielder

Championship side QPR have completed the signing of midfielder Gary O'Neil on a one-year deal.

The 30-year-old, a free agent after failing to agree a new deal with West Ham, previously worked under R's boss Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth.

Redknapp told the club website: "Gary's a good player and a good pro.

"He was offered a new deal at West Ham but he decided he fancied coming here because he feels maybe he'll get more game time at QPR."

He added: "He can run all day long, he's good on the ball, a good passer, he sees all the pictures in front of him and is a top professional.

"We've got plenty of options in that department now, but he'll certainly add to what we've got - he's a good, good player and will be a fine acquisition for us."

O'Neil spent eight seasons at Portsmouth after coming through the youth ranks at Fratton Park and was part of the Pompey squad that sealed promotion to the Premier League in 2002-03.

He left West Ham earlier this summer following an injury-hit two-and-a-half-year spell with the Hammers in which he scored three goals in 56 appearances.

The former England Under-21 international has been training with QPR recently and described the challenge at Loftus Road as an "exciting one".

"Obviously I know Harry well and he was a big factor in me coming here," O'Neil said.

"He's played a massive role in my development as a player and now I'm back playing for him again and I want to repay him by helping this club get back into the Premier League.

"Having been in and around the squad for the last few weeks, I've seen how united the squad are to achieve what we all want to do.

"The togetherness is there - it's a really happy camp and there's a real good feel to the place."