Former Derby County midfielder Joe Ledley has signed a short-term deal with Newport County following his release from Australian side Newcastle Jets.

Ledley, 34, was available on a free transfer and returned to his native Wales after penning a deal with the League Two promotion chasers until the end of the season.

Newport are currently fifth in League Two, four points off the automatic promotion spots.

Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images

Ledley will provide plenty of experience, boasting an impressive career.

The midfielder started out at Cardiff City, before winning three league titles with Celtic and later moving to Crystal Palace and making over 80 Premier League appearances.

Derby signed the Wales international in the 2017-18 campaign.

Gary Rowett wanted to bolster the Rams’ midfield, and Ledley formed an excellent partnership alongside Tom Huddlestone as Derby reached the 2017-18 playoffs.

Ledley, however, struggled to feature following Rowett’s departure.

Frank Lampard was named as his successor, and the former England international brought in Mason Mount and Harry Wilson on loan while Craig Bryson returned to the side.

Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images

Ledley made just four appearances for Derby in the 2018-19 campaign, and he was released by the Rams midway through the season with his contract terminated by mutual consent.

After a spell at Charlton Athletic and later Newcastle Jets in Australia, Ledley is now back in his native Wales as he seeks to help Newport achieve their target of promotion.

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