England Under-21s midfielder Ravel Morrison has signed for Queens Park Rangers on loan until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old joins the Championship outfit from West Ham United, having found first-team opportunities under Sam Allardyce restricted since the turn of the year.
Morrison heads across London to join Harry Redknapp’s squad on an ‘emergency’ loan for 93 days and will go straight into the reckoning for their game with Charlton Athletic at the weekend.
Watch Morrison's amazing training ground volley with England U21s
Rangers have dropped down to fourth in the Championship table in recent weeks, despite being firm favourites for an automatic return to the top flight.
And Redknapp believes former Manchester United starlet Morrison could be the player to give them an added spark for the rest of the season.
"He's a fantastic talent and could make all the difference," said Redknapp.
"We need someone who can unlock a defence, someone who can suddenly do something special and turn a game for you, I think Ravel might be one of those players.
"He seems a decent lad and a talented footballer. As far as I know, he's fit and ready to play.
"It is a gamble. If he didn't have a problem somewhere, we wouldn't get him at QPR. He'd still be playing at Manchester United."
England U21s v Wales U21s
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
6pm, Wednesday 5 March 2014
iPro Stadium, Derby County
Live on BT Sport
Morrison will also be hoping that regular games with Rangers will keep him in contention for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England Under-21 squad.
He has been a regular for the Three Lions this season, with his eye-catching early season performances for West Ham and England helping Southgate’s side to the top of their Euro qualifying group.
And with a match against Wales coming up at Derby’s iPro Stadium on Wednesday 5 March, Morrison will be hoping to be involved again.
You can buy tickets for the game with Wales at the iPro Stadium now. Tickets for the game will go on sale from 9am on Tuesday 3 December 2013, priced at just £10 for Adults and £5 for U18s.
These can be purchased in person from the Digonex Ticket Office, by calling 0871 472 1884 (option 1) or by visiting WeAreDerby.com.
