Midfielder Owen Garvan has completed his £225,000 move to George Burley's Crystal Palace. The Irish U21 international skipper is believed to have signed a two-year deal, having undergone a medical yesterday.

Garvan said: "I am delighted to have signed for Crystal Palace. Hopefully this season I can play a bit more football, that is what I am wanting to do and hopefully everything will go well for myself and the club.

"At Ipswich things did not really work out and I think the manager realised that. As a footballer I just want to play games and play in the Championship and I am just thankful to the manager for giving me this chance and hopefully I can repay him with good performances and good results.

"He just tried to sell the club to me and the main thing is he said that I would get more game time here than I would at Ipswich. I could not wait around at Ipswich any longer as last season I was on the bench and getting frustrated and hopefully a new challenge will be good for me.

"There are a few ex-Ipswich players here and I know Sean [Scannell], although it is unfortunate for him to have picked up the knee injury and may be out for a little while. When you come to a new club there are different staff and new lads to meet and this is part and parcel of a move."

Town boss Roy Keane paid tribute to Garvan and to defender Alex Bruce, who left Portman Road for Leeds United last week: "Both Owen and Alex have served Ipswich Town well and we wish them all the best in their future careers."

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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