Paul Smyth said he couldn't wait to get started back at QPR after securing a move from Leyton Orient.

The 25-year-old left Loftus Road two years ago, having had loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Wycombe - where he worked with Rs boss Gareth Ainsworth - and Charlton.

And he helped O's to the League Two title last season, scoring 10 goals in 38 appearances.

Having originally signed for Rangers in 2019 from Northern Irish Premiership side Linfield, he is hoping to make his mark second time around.

“It’s brilliant to be back and I can’t wait to get started,” Smyth told qpr.co.uk

“It genuinely feels like I have been out on loan for two years! 

"I had a brilliant season with Leyton Orient and the interest was there with QPR and I just had to get it done. I want to give it a chance again in the Championship. I couldn’t turn it down.

“I have been here before, I know what it’s like and I have a point to prove to myself. I want this. I want to show what I can do.

“The gaffer trusted me at Wycombe, he gave me that opportunity to flourish and to be myself. That’s what I did while I was there, so with him being here it was a no-brainer.

“I know what he’s like and how he wants to play, and that fits me to a tee.”

Smyth, who has three caps for Northern Ireland, also gave thanks to Orient for their support over the past two seasons.

He took to Twitter to post: "The decision to move club was not an easy one to make.

"The two years at Brisbane Road brought many emotions, from my first year at the club to the arrival of the gaffer [Richie Wellens] who motivated the whole club.

"I owe so much to him for giving me the chance to play football the right way, facing the opposition goal and making Saturday afternoons fun again.

"To the fans I want to say thank you for your incredible support. I truly felt like one of you.

"This great old club belongs to you. Players will come and go, managers too. To us it is our wage, our bread and butter. That doesn't mean you can't feel a part of such a vibrant, proud and distinguished football club.

"I leave you all with a heavy heart. I wish you all every success."

Ainsworth is looking forward to working with Smyth once again in west London, as Rs prepare for the 2023-24 Championship campaign.

“I am really pleased. Paul was one of the outstanding talents in League Two last season. He was a big reason why Orient won the league and why they were so potent going forward," he told the club website.

“When he left Wycombe there was still development work to do and now I believe he’s getting close to the finished article which is one heck of an attacking talent.

“He’s quick, gets crosses in, makes things happen, and he’s multi-positional too, which is a big advantage for us.

“I think he’s at home on that right-hand side where he’s getting at full-backs, getting crosses in, and chipping in with goals but equally he can do that on the left and I know from our time together at Wycombe that he can play down the middle as well.

“He’s got a young family now which I believe has added to his maturity.

“We are going to see the best of Paul Smyth - maybe three or four years ago it was just a little early to make his mark in this division but I am sure he is going to do that now.

“There’s two things I want this season; I want exciting, attacking football and I want players to give absolutely everything - in training, in games, in wearing a QPR shirt every day, whether that’s here at the new training ground, at Loftus Road, or on our travels.

“They have got to give absolutely everything. That’s what the fans have asked for, and that’s what I demand as a manager.

“Paul epitomises that, he’s an exciting talent and he will always give 100 per cent.”