Croydon-born Sean was scouted by Palace at the age of 14 and has represented Republic of Ireland at youth level, qualifying through his father.

After scoring 23 goals for the academy during the 06/07, Sean continued his progress after becoming a regular member of the reserve and U18 squads.

Sean is a speedy forward with a light touch, who came to the attention with a last-minute winner against Sheffield Wednesday on December 15 2007.

The inch-perfect chip sealed a 2-1 win for Palace in only Sean's third substitute's appearance as a 17-year-old.

He then went on to cement his reputation as one for the future with impressive starting displays, both as a forward and a right winger. On January 8 2008 he was rewarded with a two-and-a-half-year professional contract.   

He finished the season with 23 league appearances, and has built on that steadily over the past two seasons, each time notching up a few more games under his belt. 

In the 08/09 season he finished with 25 league appearances, and then last seaosn he added to it further with 26 games. 

But ahead of this season, Sean suffered a knee injury that has forced him out for six months, and is not expected to return until the New Year.