Midfield general Gavin Mahon has joined Queens Park Rangers on an emergency loan deal from Watford, with a view to a permanent transfer.

The midfielder, who is in line to make his R's debut against Leicester City tomorrow (Tuesday), was an interested spectator in the Vicarage Road press box on Saturday afternoon, as his new charges beat his former employers 4-2.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk before his first training session this morning, Mahon expressed his delight at the move, commenting: "It's a very exciting time to be joining this Club.

"There were four or five other Championship sides that showed an interest, but once I'd spoken to the Chairman Gianni Paladini there was never any doubt in my mind that I'd be joining Rangers.

"The ambition and drive of the board and the new investors really impressed me and I'm delighted to be here."

Mahon added: "It was a surreal experience on Saturday. When QPR went ahead early on I was happy, but at the same time it was a very difficult situation to be in, having spent so many years at Watford.

"I'm a QPR player now though and I couldn't be more delighted to be here."

After learning his trade with Hereford United and Brentford, Mahon moved to Watford near the end of the ill-fated Gianluca Vialli reign at Vicarage Road.

He played an integral role in the Hornets' upturn in fortunes and was rewarded by being named Player of the Season at the end of the 2003/04 campaign.

He successfully skippered the Club to promotion in May 2006 and made 36 appearances in their one season stay in the top-flight.

Mahon will wear the number four shirt vacated by Danny Cullip.