Soccer: Irish international joins Palace

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Middlesbrough full-back Curtis Fleming for an undisclosed fee.

Eagles manager Trevor Francis has signed the Republic of Ireland international in time for him to be included in the squad to face Gillingham at Selhurst Park tomorrow.

Fleming spent a month on loan at First Division rivals Birmingham earlier this season and made six appearances for the Blues.

The 33-year-old told Palace’s official website, www.cpfc.co.uk: ‘‘I am very happy to come to Crystal Palace, it is a big club with great support.

''I have played at Selhurst Park a few times and I know what good players we have in the squad.

‘‘I have two goals - one is to get back in the Premiership and the other is to get back into the Republic of Ireland squad.’’