Johnson signs new deal at the Palace

Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson has signed a new five-year contract with the club.

The 23-year-old, who has netted five times for the Barclays Premiership new boys this season, has committed himself to the club until 2010.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have signed a new five-year contract," said Johnson. "I'm the happiest I've ever been at Palace."

Johnson has scored 51 goals in 91 games for the Eagles after joining the club from Birmingham in 2002 as part of the deal which took Clinton Morrison to St Andrews.

Johnson insisted on waiting until boss Iain Dowie signed a new deal before committing himself.

He added: "It was massively important for me to make sure Iain was still here."