Portsmouth FC sign Northern Ireland Under 21 goalkeeper Ollie Webber

Northern Ireland under 21 goalkeeper Ollie Webber has signed for League One side Portsmouth on a permanent deal from Crystal Palace.

The 21-year-old - who was born in Portsmouth - was a regular starter for the Eagles' Under 23 side but has moved in an attempt to get regular first-team football.

Webber left Portsmouth at the age of eight with his mum Emma to live in Comber. He started out as a youngster at local side Ards Rangers before linking up with Glentoran.

He joined Crystal Palace in 2016 after a successful trial period and has since risen up through the ranks at Selhurst Park, signing a professional contract after winning the league with the Under-18s in 2017/18.

Since then he became a key part of the Under 23s, starting 17 league games in the campaign that saw Palace promoted to the Premier League 2. His performances in South London also earned recognition with Northern Ireland Under 21s and a loan to Dover Athletic.

Webber last featured for Northern Ireland’s Under 21s in Euro 2021 qualifiers against Lithuania and Malta in November.

Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley told the club website “We’re delighted to bring Ollie into the group and he’s someone we were able to have a look at when he came in just before Christmas.

“He’s had a great education at Crystal Palace and as well as being a good shot-stopper, is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has excellent distribution skills.

“Alex Bass has gone out on loan to Bradford because we’ve taken a long-term view and it’s so important that he plays in the second half of this season.

“Ollie has come in and is a young keeper who wants to improve every single day. We like to recruit players who have a burning ambition to get better.”

Webber will serve as back-up to