Republic of Ireland under-21 international defender Conor Masterson has signed a new contract with QPR to keep him at the Championship club until 2023.

The Kildare native, who turns 22 today (Tuesday), joined QPR 12 months ago after leaving Liverpool and his original deal was due to expire in 2021.

"This is a nice birthday present and I’m buzzing! I have enjoyed every moment at QPR, the opportunities I have had and I am grateful to be able to sign a new deal", Masterson told the club website.

"At Liverpool I really enjoyed it and learned a lot but I needed to play first-team football and QPR gave me that opportunity.

"I was nervous at the time but I was excited as well to join QPR. I just wanted to get into it and I have always said that as soon as I got here, the welcome I had from the club was great. It was a good fit for me."

Masterson didn’t play a game for the Liverpool first team but he featured 14 times for QPR last season after impressing during the second half of the campaign.

The former Lucan United schoolboy was also a key member of Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland under 21 squad during European championship qualifying and will be aiming to break into the senior squad.

QPR start their Championship campaign on Saturday when they host Nottingham Forest and Masterson can’t wait to get going.

"It’s a good test and a good start for us," he added.

"It’s nice to be at home but obviously it would be great if we could have the fans there.

"Forest are a good team but we are looking to win the game and show them what we are about."