The signing of Ipswich midfielder Owen Garvan is a statement of intent from Crystal Palace ahead of the new season, according to manager George Burley.

Garvan, a Republic of Ireland U21 international, finally signed this afternoon for a fee around £200,000 after weeks of speculation and joined Andy Dorman, David Wright and Adam Barrett as new recruits in the team photo this morning.

It is the first time in two years the Eagles have spent money on a player but Burley is adamant Garvan is worth it.

"I think it shows the ambition of this club," he said.

"We have had to work hard to get him here and Steve Parish has put in a lot of effort.

"He is only 22 but has experience, good quality passing ability, can take set pieces and is a very promising midfield player.

"We are very pleased he has come and signed for us.

"He gets the ball down and can make chances for other players and has a very sweet left foot that enables him to switch play excellently.

"We are hoping to get another couple of players in this week as well, one of which is a striker."

The line-up at Palace's team photo (right):

Back row: Alassane N'diaye, Charlie Holness, Jack Holland, Claude Davis, Adam Barrett, Shaun Scannell, Alan Lee, Calvin Andrew.

Middle row: Malcolm Webster (goalkeeping coach), John Stannard (physio), Brendan Rogers (kit man), Nathanial Pinney, Owen Garvan, Matt Parsons, David Wright, Julian Speroni, Lewis Price, Wilfired Zaha, Kieran Djilali, Jerry Nnamani, Lee Hills, Chris Short (fitness coach), Mateusz Bednarczuk (masseur) and Alex Manos (physio).

Front row: Dougie Freedman (assistant manager), Kieron Cadogan, Neil Danns, Paddy McCarthy, George Burley (manager), Darren Ambrose, Andy Dorman, Nathanial Clyne, Dean Austin (first team coach).