QPR defender Alex Baptiste says that the international break came at a good time following a hectic run of fixtures.

The former Middlesbrough man has been a regular part of the Ian Holloway's defence in recent weeks despite having a disjointed pre-season on Teesside, and Baptiste says he's taking measures to ensure he's match-ready.

Speaking to the club's website, he said: "I feel the international break has come at the right time for us. There’s no denying Friday hurt but now we can get fitter, analyse a few things and look to go again.

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“It was hard (playing three games in six days), the Thursday after the Tuesday game I was in bits and I’m only getting older so I have to learn how to look after my body but to honest during the games I feel fine.

"It’s been tough but I feel okay, I know how to look after myself. I feel I’m doing a decent job of maintaining my fitness.”