Making the step up from First Division to Premiership football is a challenge facing everyone at Crystal Palace, but new signing Emmerson Boyce faces an even bigger leap, writes Stuart Pink.
The 24-year-old right-back has been a cornerstone of Luton's back-four over the past few seasons, making more than 200 appearances, and picking up a hat-trick of awards at the Luton Town Supporters Club Annual Awards Ceremony last season.
He is determined to prove himself at the top level. Boyce said: "You need your breaks in football and this is mine, so I am going to try and take it with both hands. It is hard because it's a big step up, but the boys have made me more than welcome and there is a great atmosphere and team spirit."
The Dowie factor was another reason why Boyce chose Palace. Boyce said: "I heard good things about the manager when he used to work at Oldham and we played them a couple of times.
"I had a few clubs interested in me, mainly in the First Division, but I wanted to progress my career and Palace was the best place to do that."
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