Football star Jake Caprice may have moved 250 miles north to further his football ambitions, but he insisted it will be worth it.

The 18-year-old penned a one-year deal at Championship outfit Blackpool having not been offered a contract exension by Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman.

Caprice, who signed pro forms at Selhurst Park at the same time as Wilfried Zaha, had seen injury rob him of the chance to impress the Palace chief last term.

But a trial for the Tangerines last term that saw him feature in a Lancashire Cup clash with Manchester United persuaded Ian Holloway he was worth a punt.

And the former Palace youngster is out to make the most of his second chance.

“It was a bit of blow not to get offered a new deal, but I always knew I could play at this level,” he said.

“Dougie told me last season that he thought I wouldn’t feature much in his plans for next year so I was allowed to go on trial at other clubs.

“I had been a bit unlucky because I got injured and it meant I hadn’t had much of a chance to impress the manager. I played in a Lancashire Cup semi-final for Blackpool against Manchester United and Ian was keen to get me on board.

“It did not take long to decide.

“It is a very good opportunity for me and Ian has a reputation for giving young players a chance, so I hope I can take it when it comes.”

Caprice joined Palace as a nine-year-old having ben scouted while playing at Battersea Youth Centre.

And he admitted the club would have a special place in his heart.

“I have learned a lot at Palace over the years and I will always have massive respect for the club,” he said.

“It is a footballer’s dream to play in the first team and that is what I am aiming to do at Blackpool.”

Meanwhile, influential midfielder Darren Ambrose, 28, completed a move to Championship rivals Birmingham City last week in a deal that is thought to be worth a total of £1m.