QPR defender Nedum Onuoha said he is excited to be named as captain of the club ahead of the upcoming season.

Onuoha replaced Joey Barton as skipper at Loftus Road during the week, following three years and 99 appearances for the London club.

The 28-year-old admitted he was surprised at being handed the captains armband but extremely honoured to now lead the R's who are preparing for the 2015/16 Championship season.

"It's a real honour and a privilege" Onohua told QPR's official website on the club's pre-season tour of Italy.

"Was it a surprise? Yes it was," he added.

"I'm very close to all the players and can pretty much speak to anyone.

"I'm not a youngster anymore and I've been here three years, so I know the club and the way things work here.

"I'm really pleased and relishing the challenge that the role will bring."