CRYSTAL Palace have signed midfielder Stuart O’Keefe from Southend United on a free transfer.

A product of the Shrimpers’ academy set-up O’Keefe, 19, made his debut in 2008 in a 2-0 FA Cup win against Telford in November and followed it up with his League debut the following January against Leyton Orient.

He went on to make 10 first team appearances in his time at Roots Hall.

Palace boss George Burley spoke of his delight at capturing the midfielder with “big potential”.

“Stuart is a young player with big potential and I am very pleased to have brought him to the club,” he said.

“He has worked with Dougie Freedman before when he was at Southend and he looks to be another bright prospect for the future.”