April 6 2016

Selhurst Park (Photo: Andy Roberts)

New striker Freddie Ladapo says he is ready to make his mark at Crystal Palace.

The 23-year-old has jumped five divisions to sign from non-league outfit Margate for an undisclosed fee, reportedly to be around £50,000.

Ladapo has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal but cannot play this season as he has joined after January's 25-man squad announcement.

He notched a hat-trick in his first game while on trial and impressed manager Alan Pardew with another solid performance the following week.

"I thought I had to show that I was good enough to be here and that game was the chance and I took it," he told the club website. "My next game was the one to see if I could replicate what I did before.

"I spoke to the gaffer after that and he said he was going to offer me something and I was delighted. But he said I have a lot to do which I know about which is why every day I'm going to work hard.

"It's been good, the tempo is really high, really sharp, everyone is physically complete. They ask a lot out of you but I'm ready for it."

Pardew says the forward, who began his career with Colchester before dropping into non-league, will go out on loan next season to continue his development

Palace TV caught up with @ladapo9 to discuss his move from non-league, training with the #CPFC first team and more.https://t.co/sZrgt6gTX0

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 6, 2016