Wales midfielder Smith signs for Newport

Newport County have signed Wales midfielder Matt Smith following his exit from St Johnstone.

The 25-year-old, who has 19 caps, has agreed a two-year deal with the League Two club and becomes new boss David Hughes' first Exiles signing.

Smith played 25 times for St Johnstone last season as they were relegated from the Scottish Premiership, but did not feature after being substituted in the first half of a defeat to Dundee in early January and became a free agent this summer.

In all he played 60 times for St Johnstone after signing from MK Dons in 2023.

"We are delighted to bring Matt on board. As a group of staff, we feel he is a really good signing for us, and he will certainly strengthen the squad," said Hughes, who took charge at Newport last month.

"He is still growing as a player and has the desire to improve and progress himself and we are all looking forward to working with him. He is an outstanding character; a good professional and person to have around the squad and the club.''

Smith spent 18 months with MK Dons having joined on a permanent deal from Manchester City in 2022.

A City academy product, Smith had loan spells with FC Twente, Queens Park Rangers, Doncaster Rovers, Charlton Athletic and Hull City while at the Etihad.

Born in the Midlands, Smith qualifies for Wales through his Blackwood-born grandfather and made his senior international debut under Ryan Giggs in 2018.

He was in the Wales squads at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, but has not played for his country since September 2022.