DARTFORD manager Tony Burman has sold Dave Martin to Crystal Palace for £20,000 and tipped him to follow in the footsteps of ex-Dart Jimmy Bullard and establish himself at the highest level.

Speculation over the 21-year-old Gravesend scaffolder’s future ended on Monday night when the midfielder agreed a two-and-half year deal with Palace who fended off opposition from Millwall for his signature.

"We’re thrilled for Dave, it was impossible to stand in his way," said Burman.

"I introduced Jimmy Bullard to Dartford back in the 90s and he went on to play for West Ham, Wigan an and now Fulham, who paid over £1 million for him.

"Dave too has the ability to make the grade and the big thing, so far as he is concerned, is that the Palace manager Peter Taylor really believes in him.

"Peter was a winger who played for England and Dave can only learn from him."