May 23 2012

Kyle De Silva

Crystal Palace teenage midfielder Kyle De Silva has penned a new three-year contract.

The Croydon-born 18-year-old Academy product has the option of extending the deal once it expires in the summer of 2015.

De Silva, who chalked up three starts and four sub appearances over the campaign, made his Eagles bow in the FA Cup tie with Derby in January and is thrilled to sign a long-term deal with his boyhood team.

He told the official website: "This is the club I supported as a boy so I was delighted to sign. I didn't really expect to make as many appearances as I did last season, I was training (with the first team) since Christmas so I got comfortable by the time I made those appearances.

"To start against Southampton and Reading was good experience because they both were promoted. Now the aim is that first goal, trying to nail down a regular spot and (keep) working hard."

De Silva's deal comes just days after young midfielder Stuart O'Keefe committed his future to the club by also signing a three-year contract.

Meanwhile, Nuneaton Town assistant manager Ken Gillard has joined Palace as Youth Development Phase Head Coach, manager of under 15s and defensive coach for the Youth Team.