What Newcastle United and Eddie Howe have already told QPR about 'talented' Harrison Ashby

QPR completed the loan signing of Newcastle United full-back Harrison Ashby on Deadline Day in what was an impressive last minute coup for the London outfit.

The former West Ham defender had emerged as a target for other Championship sides including Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City after his loan stay at Swansea City last season. It was, however, the R's who won the race with Ashby now at Loftus Road for the season and ready to wear the number 20 shirt.

The 22-year-old defender will arrive in London as somewhat of an unknown for QPR supporters. Ashby only managed 13 Championship appearances in Wales last year and hasn't managed to break into the Magpies first team since arriving from West Ham in 2023.

However, there are a few nuggets that hint at the type of player that Marti Cifuentes may now have at his disposal for the campaign as Ashby awaits his QPR debut. When signing for Newcastle United, Eddie Howe said: "[He] is a very talented young player with a lot of potential so we are delighted to sign him. He has very good attributes so we are looking forward to working with him in this exciting new chapter of his career."

Before heading on loan to Swansea City, Ashby worked with the Magpies under-21 side as he dealt with some injury issues. In one match against Norwich City in April 2023, he recorded a goal and assist in the 4-3 win and was praised by First Team Development Coach Ben Dawson.

Dawson said: “It was nice to see him out on the pitch. He’s come down to the Academy to get some minutes under his belt and he’s had a few issues since he’s moved up here with some minor injuries so I think it’s nice for everybody to be able to see him out on the pitch and contribute a professional performance.

“It’s always difficult for those lads that don’t train with us every day to drop down and play but I think he gave a great account of himself and he was a good example for the young lads to follow.”

A defender who loves to be involved in attacking moves, Ashby himself acknowledged that the way Cifuentes likes QPR to play was a major attraction in joining the project for the 2024/25 season. In a short interview given to the club on Deadline Day, he admitted that Loftus Road was the only place he truly wanted to come.

He said: “There is only one place that I wanted to come and I am really excited for what’s ahead. The people I spoke to, and the chats that we had, straight away my head turned.

“A big thing coming on loan is the style of football you are going to play. When you are on loan you want to improve, you want to get better and help the team. The setup here, I can definitely improve my game.”