YOUNGSTER Alex Marrow is aiming to pick up as much experience as he can from new team-mate Edgar Davids during his spell at Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old Blackburn Rovers midfielder signed for the Eagles on Saturday morning after learning of the opportunity just the day before.

He was summoned to Ewood Park on Friday, told of the interest by George Burley on his arrival and was on a train down to London later that day.

After a night in Croydon's Hilton Hotel, Marrow made his Palace debut coming on as a late substitute during the 2-1 home to defeat to Ipswich Town. It was a whirlwind start to his Eagles career but Marrow is in no doubt he is in the right place to develop - especially following the arrival of Dutch legend Davids.

"I heard he had signed while I was on the train down to London," said Marrow. "I think it's brilliant.

"As a young midfielder myself I can only try and learn as much as possible off someone like him. He's a great player and it's fantastic to be at the club at the same time as him."

Marrow and Davids could hardly be from more differing ends of the footballing spectrum. The youngster from Salford was playing non-league football two years ago before he was snapped up by Blackburn from Ashton Athletic.

He is yet to make his debut for Rovers but impressed while out on loan at League One Oldham last season.

He views this latest chance at Palace as another opportunity to show off his talents in the hope of progressing his career either at Ewood Park or elsewhere.

"I'm a player who would prefer be playing week in, week out rather than sitting on the bench," he said.

"I enjoyed my time at Oldham. The first half of the season I was playing plenty of games and getting good experience. I didn't play as much after Christmas but overall it was good for me. I haven't seen much of the Championship, but I would prefer to have a chance of playing here than just sitting on the bench in the Premier League.

"My contract is up at Blackburn at the end of this season and hopefully I can get myself in the shop window. I just want to play regular football."

And his versatility will give him a good chance to do that at Palace.

His favoured position is in midfield, but he can also play at right back and centre back, something that Burley would have definitely considered before recruiting him.

"I'm happy to be here," said Marrow. "It's only been five minutes but they seem a good bunch of lads. I just want to play as many games as possible and do as well as I can for my new team."