Blues seal Taylor deal

Birmingham win the race for Maik Taylor's signature

Birmingham have completed the £1.5m signing of Fulham keeper Maik Taylor.

The 32-year-old, who has been on loan at St Andrews since the start of the season, has signed a deal which will keep him with the Blues until 2008.

The Northern Ireland international shot-stopper has made 32 appearances for Steve Bruce's side this season.

Earlier this month Fulham indicated that Birmingham faced stiff competition to sign the veteran saying he had attracted "significant interest".

But, after agreeing terms, Taylor said: "I always had faith in my ability to play at the top level.

"And I'm very happy to stay full-time. It was never ever going to be any big deal in terms of agreeing personal teams.

I want to carry on playing for a long time Maik Taylor

"My family moved up to the area as soon as I joined Birmingham and it was going to go through just as long as we stayed up as the clubs had agreed a fee.

"I am enjoying it here. It is my first full season in the top flight and it has got to make you sharper playing week-in and week-out."

Taylor is also planning to follow the lead set by Peter Schmeichel and David Seaman, who played in the Premiership until the age of 39 and 40 respectively.

"I've been lucky with injuries and missed only two games in my career with them and, like I've said before, I want to carry on playing for a long time," he said.

"People like Peter Schmeichel and David Seaman have proved it is possible if you can stay injury free."