BOSS Eddie Howe reckons new goalkeeper Adam Federici’s dogged fight for a career in professional football makes him a perfect fit for Cherries.

The out-of-contract 30-year-old today put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Dean Court after more than a decade at Reading.

Federici arrived at the Madejski Stadium in 2004 after two years of trying to prove his worth at Bolton, Wolves, Italian club Sardenga and Leeds.

Steve Coppell initially offered the Nowra-born custodian non-contract terms at Reading while he earned his spurs at non-league Carshalton before penning professional terms in 2006.

Having established himself between the sticks, the Australia international was ever-present during the club’s Championship title-winning team three seasons ago and went on to play 21 times in the Premier League.

Following relegation from the top flight, Federici was consigned to a back-up role but soon battled back to reclaim the number one spot.

Reading largely flattered to deceive in the league last season but Federici was credited with being one of the few shining lights and helped his side reach an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.

The Royals offered fresh terms to the stopper but Federici opted for another crack at the big time, a challenge Howe predicted his new star would attack with gusto.

Howe told the club website: “The goalkeeping department as a team is something we wanted to improve, so we are delighted to sign someone of Adam’s experience.

“He has played in the Premier League and was one of the most outstanding goalkeepers in the Championship last season in my opinion.

“We are bringing someone into the team who has outstanding application to their work. He has had a very good career but has had to work for that career and has all the characteristics of what we are looking for in terms of a player’s make up.

“I’m delighted to sign him and he will be an integral part of our team going forward.”

The second permanent signing of the summer came hot on heels of former loan star Artur Boruc’s switch from Southampton with Howe delighted to see off any competition for the keeper's services.

“It’s a real feather in our cap that Adam chose us because he had various offers from other clubs,” added Howe.

“I think the main decision for him was whether to leave Reading after such a long and successful period at one club, and with the relationships he has built at that club.

“That couldn’t have been easy for him so we were very pleased he chose us and we look forward to building a long term relationship with him.”

Federici played 61 minutes in Australia's last international match, a 0-0 friendly draw with Macedonia in Skopje.