MIDDLESBROUGH defender Alex Baptiste has left the club for Queens Park Rangers, after having his contract cancelled.

Baptiste suffered a serious injury just 20 minutes into his debut during a friendly with York City and was out of the game for six months.

After recovering, the 31-year-old was sent out on loan to Sheffield United and Preston.

He has now signed a deal with Boro's Championship rivals.

"Alex departs with the best wishes of all connected with MFC," said a spokesman for Middlesbrough FC.