LIVERPOOL full back Martin Kelly has signed for Crystal Palace on a three-year deal just hours before manager Tony Pulis left the club.

The 24-year-old from Newton-le-Willows played 43 times for the Anfield club and has been capped once for England.

Speaking to Crystal Palace official website he said: “I'd heard about a potential move at the start of the summer, but I just wanted to concentrate on playing again in pre-season. I played a lot of games, which is what I needed. I've been out, fit, but not playing competitively all of last season.

"Now is the time at that age where I need to get back to playing week-in week-out.

Kelly is the second St Helens born Liverpool player to leave this summer following Conor Coady’s transfer to Huddersfield Town.

Both players saw their managers depart soon after they joined their new clubs. Mark Robins left following an opening day defeat to Bournemouth and Pulis left Palace by mutual consent less than 48 hours before the start of the new season.