Fulham have completed the signing of goalkeeper Mark Crossley from Middlesbrough with the Welsh international signing a two-year contract.

The 34-year-old had been keen to quit the Riverside Stadium after failing to dislodge Mark Schwarzer as number one in Steve McClaren’s plans.

The Cottagers were seeking goalkeeping reinforcements after Maik Taylor, searching for first team football, went to Birmingham City on a season-long loan deal that may lead to a permanent transfer.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman plumped for his former international colleague Crossley and has handed the ex-Nottingham Forest keeper a two-year deal.

The transfer fee has not been disclosed although Boro are reported to have wanted £750,000 from Birmingham for the shot-stopper who spent a chunk of last season on loan at Stoke City.

Crossley, who began his career as a trainee at Nottingham Forest, was delighted to have clinched his move to Loftus Road and is looking ahead to the new season with optimism.

“I am pleased to have joined Fulham and the great squad of players that the club has,” said Crossley. “I have settled in easily and everyone has been very welcoming.

“Obviously I have known Chris for a long time because of the Welsh national team and I am looking forward to the season ahead with Fulham, with him as manager.”