QPR sign Dunne

QPR have confirmed the signing of former Aston Villa centre-back Richard Dunne on a one-year deal.

The veteran defender left Villa Park following the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2012-13 season and has now opted to move down to the Championship with the Loftus Road outfit.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp hailed the signing of the 33-year-old and moved to allay fears over his fitness record after he failed to make a single appearance last term due to a hip complaint.

“This is a great signing for us. He’s a top-class defender and a great guy. He’s a good character and just what we need,” he told the club’s official website.

“He was (Manchester) City’s Player of the Year four years running, and he will be fantastic at this football club. He’s exactly the type I’m looking for.

“Obviously he had his problems last season with the injury but there’s an agreement in place that if he breaks down, the contract can be ended.

“He’s confident he’ll be okay and from our point of view, if he doesn’t have any problems with it then we’ve just signed a very, very good centre-half.”

Dunne, who began his career in England with Everton before stints at Manchester City and Villa, also expressed excitement over the prospect of working with Redknapp.

“I’ve been very close to signing for Harry on a couple of occasions and the opportunity to work with him really appealed to me. Players want to play for Harry and I’m no different,” he added.

“I know the club didn’t have a good season last term, but – having spoken to Harry, as well as Tony (Fernandes, chairman) – there’s a real determination to bounce back into the Premier League, which is where we all want to be.

“I’ve played in the Championship and won it with Manchester City, so hopefully my experience will benefit the team over the course of the season. It’s a good challenge for me and one I’m very excited about.”

Dunne has 77 international caps to his name with the Republic of Ireland, and has made 408 appearances in total in the Premier League.