Fulham have signed Republic of Ireland international Stephen Kelly from Birmingham. The 25-year-old right-back, who made 37 appearances for Tottenham and had brief loan spells at Southend, QPR and Watford before joining Birmingham in June 2006, has signed a three-year deal with the Cottagers.

Kelly, who also had a spell on loan at Stoke last season, said: "I'm happy that my transfer to Fulham has been finalised and look forward to meeting with the rest of the team for pre-season preparations in July.

"I have spoken to the manager about plans for next season and I'm delighted to have joined a progressive club which has recently achieved its highest ever top-flight finish.

"I am also looking forward to being part of a strong squad for next season's Premier League and Europa League competitions."

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson added on the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com: "I am delighted that Stephen has become our first signing of the summer transfer window.

"He is a talented young full-back with experience of playing in the Premier League as well as competing at international level.

"He will be a useful addition as we look to improve our squad ahead of the start of next season and I am hopeful that we will be able to announce further additions in the coming weeks."

With right full-back one of the problem positions for Giovanni Trapattoni so far in the world cup qualifiers, the Italian is sure to be pleased to see Kelly, who has 14 caps, back in the top flight.

When playing in the Premier League with Birmingham in the 2007-2008 season, Kelly played every minute of every game for the Blues.