A FOOTBALL star from Kilbirnie with an abundance of potential has made a career defining move.

Dylan Reid, who will celebrate his 18th birthday on March 1, has officially signed with English Premier League side Crystal Palace from St Mirren.

The North Ayrshire teen joined the Eagles on Thursday, February 16, on a three-and-a-half year deal and will be part of the club's academy set up.

A product of St Mirren's academy, Reid became the youngest ever player for St Mirren when he made his first-team debut at just 16 years and five days old in a cinch Premiership match away to Rangers in March 2021.

This match also saw Reid become the youngest player to ever make an appearance in the SPFL Premiership.

He went on to make his first start against Celtic in December 2021, playing well in a 0-0 draw against the eventual Scottish champions.

Reid then headed out on loan to Queen's Park in the SPFL League One in February of last year - helping his new side earn promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

The talented teen gained much attention for his performances - and he, in fact, turned down a deadline day move to Celtic on deadline day in the summer of 2022.

Despite St Mirren accepting a bid from the Scottish champions, believed to be in the region of £125,000, he opted to stay in Paisley as he felt this would better aid his development

The midfielder, born in 2005, added a further five appearances for St Mirren upon his return in 2022/23, before making the switch to Crystal Palace.

Speaking to Crystal Palace's media team on the move, Reid said he is excited to see what the future holds.

He told them: “I’m super excited and I can't wait to start playing soon.

“I can't wait to see where this will go. The coaches and facilities here are top drawer and I’ll always give my best on and off the pitch, I just need to kick on.”

Palace's Academy Director Gary Issott added: “Dylan is one of the best young talents in Scotland for his age in his position. For Dylan to make his debut at 16 and set a Scottish Premiership record is a fantastic achievement for him.

“As a midfielder, he will help the team build and create opportunities and with his character and personality; I'm sure he will fit in well and show the appropriate desire and dedication to move his career forward."

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson told the club's media team that he is gutted to lose a player like Reid.

He said: "Dylan is a kid with great potential and someone who I would have liked to have worked with more, but it was a very good deal for the football club and an ongoing deal that could rise.

"It’s huge credit to the Academy and Allan McManus and his staff. We’re producing good players and that’s the lifeblood of the football club – bringing in players, developing them and selling them.

"Clubs in the English Premier League are paying for potential now and he has that. Crystal Palace have conducted themselves very well throughout the transfer as well which has to be credited."

The Paisley side have not disclosed the fee Palace paid for Dylan, though say the deal includes "significant add-ons and sell-on".

Interestingly, the Kilbirnie boy is a lifelong friend of current Liverpool starlet, and Dalry man, Ben Doak.

The Herald first reported about the footballing pair when they were selected together in the Scotland under 17’s squad in 2021 - and their careers have been pretty crazy ever since