MANAGER Steve Bruce has pinpointed goalkeeper Matt Clarke, impressive in Wanderers' promotion push while on loan from Bradford, as the man to plug his leaky defence following his £1.35million transfer from Bradford.

Clarke passed a medical on Thursday and should go straight into the side for a baptism of fire against south London rivals Millwall.

And Bruce is convinced he will shore up a defence which has conceded nine goals in four games with Latvian goalkeeper Alex Kolinko shouldering most of the blame.

Bruce said: "We need to work on our defence and I've been trying to bring someone in who can help with that. We've been too careless.

"Matt is an excellent keeper who is confident in the air and able to dominant his penalty box.

"I am very pleased he has joined the club and I am sure he will prove that he is an excellent signing."

Palace have been crying out for a confident pair of hands between the goalposts following a string of poor performances from Kolinko.

Clarke has experience of the Premiership with Bradford, and the 27-year-old is highly regarded by Bruce.