The 22-year-old Olyroos star has had his contract terminated by mutual consent after struggling to make an impact following his arrival in July 2006 from A League side Perth Glory.

Ward made just two appearances this season and has been told by new R's manager Luigi De Canio that he has no future at Loftus Road.

"The club would like to place on the record their thanks to Nicky for his contribution during his short spell in W12 and wish him a successful future," read a club statement.

De Canio has already told Danny Cullip, Zesh Rehman and John Curtis that they have no future at the Championship club following his arrival in October.

Ward's dream is now in tatters since picking up the A-League's Young Player Of The Year Award while with Perth Glory in the opening season.

He failed to make an impact in QPR's first team and was loaned out to Brighton last season.

In September he insisted he was not coming back to Australia but admitted he was having problems with life at QPR.

He hoped to be able to last until January and transfer to another club.

But QPR's decision to release him immediately puts any Euro hopes in doubt.

Ward said then: "I'm not planning to go back to the A-League at this stage.

"It's just a matter of getting my head down and making the most of my chance when it comes.

"I think it can still work out for me at QPR. But, if not, I want to stay in Europe. If an opportunity comes up in January I'll look at it.

"I haven't had a good chat with the gaffer yet - when I have spoken to him I don't get a lot out of him and I really don't know whether I'm in his plans or not."

Adding to the 22 year old's frustration was his inability to get a spot in the team in his preferred midfield position under previous boss, John Gregory.

"Since Gregory's been at the club, he's never played me in central midfield, not once," said Ward.

"People can say what they like about me as a player but the fact is I've never played in my preferred position."

Under FFA rules, any club can sign Ward immediately if they have room under the salary cap.

But they can also sign him outside the salary cap if they have a player out with a long-term injury, which includes Sydney (Patrick), Adelaide (Valkanis) and Melbourne (Milicevic).

However he may move to Brescia after going on trial there until the deal collapsed over financial issues.

He added two months ago: "I'd have liked to go to Italy - I went there for a couple of weeks and the football side of things went well, but there were issues with money and stuff like that and the move fell through.

"I came back a lot sharper and feeling more positive, then I played in a couple of games for QPR and felt I did well. But that was it."

He added: "I think my form has been good with the Australian team.

"The coach, Graham Arnold, was very happy with me and said I was looking back to my best after losing my way a bit last year."