Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward has signed a three-year contract extension at the club.

Ward, 28, joined the Eagles from Portsmouth in 2012 and has become an important player for the Premier League side.

His contract was up this summer and would have been a free agent but the London club has decided to reward him with a new three-year deal.

English right-back Joel Ward played a crucial part under manager Roy Hodgson as the club escaped relegation last season despite losing their first seven league games.

He has made 206 appearances for Crystal Palace over the course of his six years at the club.

On his contract extension, Ward told the club’s website that: “I’m delighted to be re-signing.

“I’ve been here for six years now and this will take me just shy of a testimonial so I’m looking forward to what the future has in store.

“There’s been some fantastic moments; it’s been a great ride, and long may that continue. I wanted to stay here and be a part of it as I feel at home here, and it’s important for us to keep moving forward.

“I want to continue to play for this club and set that bar as high as I can. As long as I put the boots on, I’ll never stop trying to better myself and raise that bar.” He concluded.