Crystal Palace’s new midfield maestro Joe Ledley is itching to get into a blue and red shirt and show the fans what he is capable of.

The Welsh international, a transfer deadline day signing from Celtic, was in the stands at the Emirates watching his new team-mates lose 2-0 against the Premier League leaders.

Ledley’s contract north of the border ended in the summer and although he was offered a new deal, Celtic decided to let him join Palace for an undisclosed fee, rather than for nothing come the end of the season.

The 27-year-old flew down from the Celtic training ground on Friday to complete a three-and-a-half-year deal at Selhurst Park.

He said: “Deadline day was just waiting around and trying to get things done.

“I went into training at Celtic and then came back and managed to get a late flight, managed to get down to London in time, do the medical and sign the papers off.

“I am very pleased to have joined a fantastic club and I am just glad to get the opportunity to come here and play in the Premier League.”

He added: “I am over the moon as it’s every boy’s dream to play in the Premier League. I have played in the Champions League and I look forward to the challenge ahead.

“It is going to be difficult, but we have brought in some fantastic players.”

The former Cardiff City man is expected to be named in the squad that hosts West Brom this weekend in a Premier League proverbial six-pointer, Ledley, who has 50 caps for Wales, said: “I am hoping to be involved against West Brom, I’ve got to work hard in training, show the manager what I can do and hopefully I will be starting at the weekend.

“I know my strengths as a player, and my weaknesses.

“I always give 100 per cent and hopefully I can chip in with a few goals – that’s important.

“I just need to get off to a good start.”

He added: “I know some of the players, which helps with settling down in the area and with the team.”

Wandsworth Times:

Cardiff man: Joe Ledley and Palace's Matt Lawrence do battle in 2008