November 22 2012

Damien Delaney

Damien Delaney has signed a new two-year contract with Crystal Palace.

The Irish centre half has added some steel to the back line and played a key role in Palace's rise to the top of the Championship.

He only joined on a short-term deal on transfer deadline day after leaving Ipswich by mutual consent in the summer.

Now the Cork-born player, who has had spells at Leicester, Hull and QPR, has agreed to stay at Selhurst Park until 2014.

Delaney told the official website: "I'm delighted. Being on a short term means you're not really sure what's going to happen or whether you're going to stay or not. But I couldn't not stay, I had to sign up as soon as they offered me something.

"The run of form we've been on, the way the lads have been performing and the new manager coming in, it's all positive. If you're happy doing something then you should keep doing.

"(The gaffer) offered it to me on my first day to be honest with you. He came in and said I want you to stay. There's a great bunch of lads here and the manager's come in and put a twist on things with his enthusiasm. I'm really enjoying it and long may it continue."