Crystal Palace have signed Darren Ambrose from Charlton on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old midfielder has penned a two-year deal at Selhurst Park. Ambrose left Charlton after his contract expired at the end of last season.

Palace boss Neil Warnock told the club's official website, "I've been after Darren for years, I was even prepared to offer up to £1million before he went to Newcastle in 2003 when I was at Sheffield United."

"I have always thought he was a quality player and we have missed a dead-ball specialist since Ben Watson went."

"He is very flexible and all I am asking him to do is play with a smile on his face, because I think he has been down in the doldrums the last couple of years."