Joel Ward signs new Crystal Palace deal

Crystal Palace have confirmed that defender Joel Ward has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract extension with the club.

The 25-year-old's new deal at Selhurst Park is due to run until summer 2018.

Ward, who has featured in every Premier League game for the Eagles this season, joined the club from Portsmouth in 2012.

"I'm really pleased," he told Palace's official website. "It's been something that has been talked about a little bit and I'm glad to now put that to the back and just concentrate with my football and I'm delighted to have signed the deal."

Ward recently scored his first goal for Palace in their 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers.