MIDDLESBROUGH head coach Aitor Karanka has hailed Alex Baptiste's arrival as a key moment in his club's summer strengthening programme.

Baptiste joined Boro on a three-year deal earlier this week after coming to an agreement that saw the cancellation of the final year of his previous contract at Bolton Wanderers.

The 29-year-old boasts extensive experience of the Championship, and can play in all four positions across the back four.

He might not have the same profile as the likes of Shay Given and Stewart Downing, players Boro have been actively pursuing this week, but Karanka is nevertheless delighted to have Baptiste on board as he puts his squad through the early stages of their pre-season programme.

Karanka said: “I think he will be an important player for us. Maybe he is not the kind of player people were expecting, maybe he is not a big name, but for me he is a very important player because he can play in any position in defence.

“He knows the league and he wanted to come here. He was one of the first players on my list to come here."

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough's home game with Leeds United has been put back to Sunday, September 27 (1.15pm) and will be televised live on Sky Sports.