Goalkeeper Liam Kelly insists the chance to be reunited with former Rangers manager Mark Warburton at Queens Park Rangers was too good to turn down after leaving Livingston for an undisclosed fee.
The Scotland squad shot-stopper has signed a four-year deal with the English Championship outfit and will aim to dislodge current number one Joe Lumley at Loftus Road.
Kelly worked under Warburton during the Englishman’s 20-month spell in charge at Ibrox before moving to the Lions at the start of last term.
👐 Welcome to #QPR, @liamm_kelly! #WelcomeKelly
— Queens Park Rangers FC (@QPR) June 14, 2019
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The 23-year-old impressed as the West Lothian outfit secured safety in their first season back in the Premiership – earning his first Scotland call-up in the process.
And Kelly admits he is relishing the challenge of proving himself at the London club under Warburton.
He said: “I felt now was the right time for me to try something new and QPR gave me that opportunity.
“Knowing the manager and how his teams play, it was something I couldn’t say no to.
“How the gaffer conducts himself is brilliant and that was a really attractive part of the move.
“QPR is a well-known club all over the world and that attraction was massive.
“Hopefully I can have a positive impact and help the club do well.”
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Warburton, who is also expected to sign left-back Lee Wallace following the left-back’s release from Rangers, said: “Liam is outstanding with his feet, he has great distribution and he is a very good shot stopper.
“Joe Lumley did exceptionally well for QPR last season so Liam’s job is to come here and compete. That’s what you want, you want competition all over the park.
“You have 24 or 25 competitive animals who are all keen to do well. You have to have that respectful competition for places.
“Liam will want that No.1 shirt, and Joe’s job will be to keep it and show what he can do.”
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