August 18 2010

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have captured teenage midfielder STUART O'Keefe from Southend United.

The 19-year-old came up through Southend's youth set-up making his debut for the first team against Telford in November 2008.

O'Keefe, who has made 10 first team appearances for the League Two side, impressed on trial in Palace's reserve game with West Ham yesterday.

Assistant manager Dougie Freedman recommended O'Keefe to the club after spotting his potential while he was at the Shrimpers.

Boss George Burley told the official website: "STUART is a young player with big potential and I am very pleased to have brought him to the club. He has worked with Dougie Freedman before, when he was at Southend, and he looks to be another bright prospect for the future."