



Crystal Palace have completed their third signing of the Summer by bringing in Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper, Alex McCarthy, on a four year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The former England under-21 international is best known for his time at Reading, where he came through their youth ranks to represent the first-team 75 times - as well as appearing for a host of clubs on loan over six levels of English football.

The 25-year-old signed for the Hoops last Summer and featured three times in the Premier League, as well as being called up to the England squad.

McCarthy was delighted to make the move to Selhurst Park saying, “I’m over the moon. When I first heard about Palace’s interest I was excited because I really wanted to be back in the Premier League. Towards the end of last season I started hearing little inklings about a move and then gradually over the Summer things progressed and now, here I am.

Alex added, “Every time I’ve played at Palace the atmosphere has been brilliant; the fans are excellent and they’re so passionate about their Club. I’m really excited to be here.”

Having started his youth career with Wimbledon and Wycombe Wanderers, McCarthy joined Reading as a 16-year-old. He gained experience with Woking, Cambridge United, Team Bath and Aldershot Town in short loans between 2007 and 2009, before enjoying his first real run of games at Yeovil Town where he played 48 times and won his first England under-21 cap.

After a brief stint at Brentford, McCarthy made his Reading debut in February 2011 where he impressed during his 13 outings in the Premier League. It was based on that form that Roy Hodgson called him up to the England squad for their friendlies with the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

After spending the majority of 2011/12 with Leeds United and Ipswich Town, the following campaign saw him miss just two league games for the Royals as he managed to displace Adam Federici, prompting QPR to sign him in August last year where he played four times in the season.