Andros Townsend says his new Crystal Palace teammates have helped him settle in quickly following a move from Newcastle United.

The England international signed a five-year contract at Palace on July 1 after the Eagles triggered his £13m release clause.

Townsend made his first appearances for the South Londoners yesterday in the goalless draw with Philadelphia Union.

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The 24-year-old told the Crystal Palace website: “It was good. It was nice to get out there after a few weeks of training, pull on the shirt and try and get a bit of fitness in before the season starts.

“The first day I came in the boys welcomed me and we got to work straight away, so they’ve helped me settle in as quickly as possible.

“Out there I’m trying to build relationships with the right-back, the number 10 and the striker, and as pre-season goes on that connection will come.

“It’s pre-season so of course you want to win but it’s mainly about fitness.

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“We’ve got players who got 45 minutes, others who got 90 and some like myself got 60, so it’s all about fitness.

“They [Philadelphia Union] are second in their league and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy, and it was difficult today so we’re happy with a draw.”

Townsend, who has made 11 appearances for England, impressed for Newcastle after joining the club from Tottenham in January.

The winger scored four goals and provided a number of assists but was unable to prevent the Magpies was dropping down to the Championship.

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