Out of contract Chicago Fire netminder has spurned a multi-year MLS extension to sign a contract through the end of the season with Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

The US international, who also had a trial spell at Norwich, was accepted for a work permit. QPR press officer Ian Taylor confirmed to American Soccer Daily that Pickens holds no option for a longer deal this summer.

Some observers may wonder why the 25-year old Missouri native would opt for such a deal, but the netminder is eager to nudge his way into the US National Team set-up and figured Europe was the best way to go.

"It's a big challenge for me," Pickens told the club website. "I've heard a lot about the tradition here. The club has an extensive history and it is a big privilege for me to be here."

"I am here to add competition for places in the goalkeeping department. I'm not the kind of goalkeeper who will be content with being a #2, but we'll have to wait and see what happens."

Pickens will compete with young English keepers Lee Camp and Jake Cole at Loftus road. In four seasons with the Fire, he posted 16 wins and 11 shutouts in 38 regular season starts.

The warming Hoops sit 18th in the 24-team Championship ahead of Sunday's visit to Southampton.