QPR have confirmed that defender Niko Hamalainen has completed his move to Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock.

The 22-year-old Finland international has made the move north of the border on a season-long loan deal in a bid to gain more first-team opportunities during his time at Rugby Park.

Hamalainen joined QPR from FC Dallas in the summer of 2014, but has struggled for game time since arriving at Loftus Road, having made just six appearances in all competitions during that time, while also spending spells away from the club on loan with Dagenham and Redbridge, and back in America with Los Angeles FC.

Kilmarnock finished third in the Scottish Premier League last season, but currently lie bottom of the table this season, having lost their opening two league games of the season, while also suffering defeat to Welsh side Connah's Quay in Europa League qualifying.

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Hamalainen's current contract with QPR is set to expire at the end of the current season.

The Verdict

This looks to be a good move for Hamalainen.

First teams opportunities have been sparse for the defender during his time at Loftus Road, so it could be good for him to head to Kilmarnock, where there may be more game time up for grabs.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, it probably does make sense for him to secure a move such as this, in order to give him the chance to impress as much as possible in order to earn himself a new deal next summer.

Helping Kilmarnock to recover from their poor start to the season would surely go some way to helping his case with that particular task.