May 26 2011

Ibra Sekajja

Academy star Ibra Sekajja has penned a new two-year professional contract with Crystal Palace.

Sekajja, 18, scored on his first team debut as a late sub last month, finding the net to equalise at Hull City which ensured Palace's Championship safety.

The striker, who had already agreed a one-year deal in March, has been with Palace for seven years and has been rewarded for a superb season with the U18 side where he scored 24 goals.

Palace boss Dougie Freedman told the official website: "I can remember when he was in my office and I told him that he would be one of the players who would be given a professional deal, there was a tear in his eye as my explanation was sinking in.

"He has been with us for years, I remember coaching him when he was 13. We don't just pick these kids up from anywhere - we get them when they are young and work hard to develop them. That's the way we work at Crystal Palace."

Sekajja has joined fellow youngsters Jake Caprice, Jerry Nnamani, Jack Holland, Charlie Holness and Matt Parsons in agreeing pro deals.