JOE Ledley has spoken of his delight to sign for Crystal Palace and to finally work under boss Tony Pulis.
The Eagles manager tried to land the midfielder when he was at the Stoke City helm but it didn't quite work out, but just minutes before the 11pm deadline last night, the paperwork was signed and sealed.
And he can't wait to get started with his new team-mates either.
"It's been a long day and night so I'm just glad to get it over and done with and look forward to the new challenge ahead," said Ledley.
"I was at the training ground with Celtic and spoke to manager Neil Lennon and obviously I made my decision to come down and caught the next flight to come here in time.
"I had a fantastic time at Celtic with three-and-a-half years but my challenge now is to play in the Premier League, and I look forward to it.
"It's every boy's dream and I'm just over the moon to get it done and I look forward to the challenge ahead.
"He (Pulis) has been brilliant. He tried to sign me before at Stoke City and it didn't work.
"To finally work under him now, I'm looking forward to doing that and he's a fantastic manager and he's proved that at this level."
Palace made a number of other signings on transfer deadline day and Ledley praised the club for their effort in bolstering the squad in a bid to avoid relegation.
"They have been brilliant with the guys they've brought in," said the midfielder.
"I know Wayne Hennessey obviously from Wales and he's a fantastic keeper. They have brought in some great players and I look forward now to playing with them."
And Ledley looks set to be part of the first team squad for the next home game as his registration was completed after midday yesterday, which means he misses out on Sunday's trip to the Emirates Stadium.
"It will be at against West Brom so I look forward to that, and also going into the game against Arsenal to watch the boys," he said.
