Norwich City have signed Brighton midfielder Andrew Crofts on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. The Welsh international midfielder began his career with Gillingham and went to make almost 200 appearances for the Gills.

Norwich City have signed Brighton midfielder Andrew Crofts on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The Welsh international midfielder began his career with Gillingham and went to make almost 200 appearances for the Gills.

The 25-year-old joined Brighton in the summer of 2009 on a free transfer and missed just two league games last season. His impressive performances saw him appointed captain by new boss Gus Poyet who took over at the Withdean in November 2009.

Crofts chipped in with seven goals in all competitions for Brighton last season. He has been capped 13 times by Wales.

Crofts told the club's official website of his delight at penning a three-year contract with the Canaries.

"It's a massive club with a lot of ambition and has a lot of history behind it," he said.

"I've played here a few times and the atmosphere has always been brilliant and I wanted to be part of that."

Crofts links up with fellow Welsh international midfielder Owain Tudur Jones and right-back Russell Martin, who he spent time with at Peterborough United.

"I'm really good mates with Russell Martin, I had a loan period at Peterborough and kept in touch with him. When he heard about the move he had nothing but good things to say about the club and I'm looking forward to joining up with him and my new team-mates.

"You'll see straight away that I am competitive, a passionate player. I like to get on the ball and make things happen."

And the former Brighton man was impressed with his new manager, Paul Lambert: "As soon as I met him I could tell what he wanted to do, he's impressed me straight away and can't wait to work with him."

Likewise, Lambert was pleased with his first acquisition of the summer: "He's been their captain and a Welsh international and he's played a lot of games and I'll think he'll do great for us. He's a really strong lad and he scored seven goals for Brighton.

"He's an experienced player, although only 26 so I think he'll do great and hopefully he's going to be a big asset for us."