Cottagers snap up Warner

Fulham have solved their goalkeeping crisis by signing Tony Warner from Cardiff on a six-month loan-deal.

Boss Chris Coleman has been forced to secure emergency cover after Jaroslav Drobny and Mark Crossley sustained knee injuries during the club’s pre-season tour to the United States.

Drobny, signed from Greek club Panionios in June following Edwin van der Sar’s departure for Manchester United, could be out for up to two months while Crossley looks set to miss Saturday’s Barclays Premiership opener against Birmingham.

Warner has been brought in to plug the gap and Coleman is confident the 31-year-old former Millwall stopper will provide quality cover for his first choice keepers.

“Jaroslav picked up a knee problem in the States. He’s had to have some minor surgery and will be out for six to eight weeks,” he said.

“Mark Crossley is doubtful for Saturday with a knee problem which has forced us to bring Tony Warner in from Cardiff. Tony started his career with Liverpool.

“He will be with us for a six-month loan-spell until January. Before then we’d expect Mark and Jaroslav to be back.

“Tony was training with us this morning. He’s in great shape. I didn’t realise how big he was until I met him. I’m pleased we’ve got him.”