QPR have completed the signing of versatile defender Alex Baptiste.

Baptiste, 31, has agreed a two-year deal at Loftus Road following his release from Middlesbrough.

Baptiste’s move to W12 will once again see him link up with Ian Holloway, after the pair worked together at Blackpool, where the Seasiders clinched promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in 2009/10.

Holloway expressed his delight at the arrival of the reliable centre-half, who can also play at right-back, commenting: “Alex is one of the biggest characters I've worked with in my time in the game.

“I know him really well and know what he can bring to our squad – so I'm delighted he's signed and I'm looking forward to working with him again.

“He's versatile – he can play anywhere across the back – and that was a big plus for me.

“And the fact I know him – and he knows me – and I know I can rely on him too, means he'll be a big addition to the group.”

Baptiste – who spent most of the 2016/17 campaign on loan in the Championship with Preston North End, playing 25 times – is looking forward to a new chapter of his career at Loftus Road.

“I’m very excited to be working with Ian Holloway again,” he said.

“Working with him at Blackpool was the best time of my career. We had an unbelievable team spirt there and he was the biggest part of that.

“QPR is a massive club and I am really looking forward to being part of the squad.

“I’m an honest lad who gives 100 per cent. I will give it my all, I will leave it all on the pitch and hopefully it will be good enough.

“I’ve played at Loftus Road before. It’s so tight and the crowd are on top of you, so hopefully we can keep getting the wins, keep getting the crowds in and make the place a fortress.”

Baptiste is eligible to make his QPR debut in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup first round tie against Northampton Town at Loftus Road.

I’m an honest lad who gives 100 per cent. Alex Baptiste Share