MARK Travers believes his loan move to Middlesbrough was worth the wait - and is relishing the pressure of the Championship run-in.

Travers learnt of Boro's interest early in the January transfer window but Bournemouth wouldn't sanction the loan move to the Riverside until Will Dennis, their third choice keeper, had recovered from injury.

That delay was "tough" on Travers, who was eager to wrap up his move to the Riverside and get playing, but he's now glad the waiting is over and, after completing his loan switch on Wednesday, can't to pull on the gloves.

Travers has been impressed by his first impressions on Teesside and he'll be helped to settle by some familiar faces. He knows Finn Azaz and Darragh Lenihan from the Republic of Ireland set-up, while Jonathan Woodgate was previously part of the coaching set-up at Bournemouth.

“I’m delighted to be here, get everything sorted and meet all the lads," said the 25-year-old.

"I can’t wait to get going on Monday. The waiting over the last few weeks were tough, but I’m delighted to get it done and come up here.

“There were a lot of things [sold him on the move]. It’s a really good squad, in a really good position in the league. The manager, all the staff, the set-up here, it was all really appealing to come up here and play my football. I’m like everyone, I want to play regularly and feel that buzz on match-day, so I was keen to go out this month and play, and try a new experience.

"I’m delighted that’s at Middlesbrough because it’s a great fit for me. I have international aspirations as well and, first and foremost, to get that you have to be on the pitch at club level and doing well.

"That’s my main focus now, try and play regularly here, and then hopefully things fall into place with Ireland as well.

“It’s always really good to see familiar faces, and it makes it easier coming into the building. It’s good that I already know those lads [Woody, Finn and Darragh], and I’m sure I’ll get to know all the rest of the players and staff really well over the next couple of weeks."

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Travers knows what it takes to go up the Championship, having kept 20 clean sheets on the way to helping Bournemouth win promotion a few seasons ago. And he's relishing the challenge ahead on Teesside.

“It’s a really exciting time when you’re pushing for promotion," he told the club website.

"The games come thick and fast, and of course there is a lot of pressure, but that’s where you want to be. It’s exciting, so coming here, the lads have already got themselves into an exciting position and now it’s about moving forward over the next couple of months and getting ourselves in that position come May.

"It’s good to have that promotion experience under my belt and have that feeling. I’m desperate to have that feeling again, especially here at Middlesbrough."

Previous managers have praised Travers' composure and the keeper believes he'll be comfortably adjust to Michael Carrick's demands.

He said: “I try to be [good with my feet]. I never claim to be an outfield player, I just stick to being a goalkeeper. But, of course, in the modern game, there is a lot of playing out from the back.

"A lot is expected of goalkeepers now, but I find it great to have that pressure. I try and help the team as best as I can, and look forward to doing it."

Travers is available to make his debut against Sunderland on Monday night.

He said: “It’s a massive game to come in for. I’m really excited to see all the fans and the stadium as well. I’m really excited for a Monday night game against Sunderland - I’m sure it will be great. I can’t wait for it.”