January 31 2014

Jason Puncheon (Photo: Andy Roberts)

JASON PUNCHEON has signed for Crystal Palace full time from Southampton.

The winger had been on a season's loan from the Saints but the deal has been made permanent after the clubs agreed a fee reported to be £1.75m.

PUNCHEON, 27, has impressed for the Eagles and scored three goals in the last four league matches, including the winner against Hull in midweek.

Croydon-born PUNCHEON, who has inked a four-and-a-half year contract, is thrilled to have sealed a move to the club where he spent time as a kid.

He told the club's official website: "It's great to sign a permanent deal, it's something I dreamt about when I was a kid so I'm pleased to get it done.

"I was here when I was eight years old when the likes of Dean Gordon and Chris Armstrong were here so that makes it special.

"The massive factor in this was the chairman and the manager, the gaffer has shown great faith in me since he's been here and that's been unbelievable for me.

"It's a boost for me mentally - I thought it might happen at the end of the season but it's come quicker and obviously that's good for both me and the football club."