Newport County have announced the signing of Wales international midfielder Matt Smith.

Smith, 25, signs from Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone, subject to EFL approval and international clearance.

The midfielder, who has 19 caps for Wales, has signed a two-year deal with Newport and is David Hughes’ first signing as manager.

Smith started his professional career in the academies of West Brom and Manchester City, before a series of loan spells at Twente, Queens Park Rangers, Charlton Athletic, Doncaster Rovers, Hull City.

He joined MK Dons on a permanent deal in 2022, before moving north of the border to St Johnstone a year later. Smith made 60 apparences for the Scottish side, scoring once.

Having gained international honours at U17, U19 and U21 level, Smith made his full debut for the national side in a 0-0 draw with Mexico in 2018 under Ryan Giggs.

He has gone on to make 19 appearances for the full senior team, including squad selections for the delayed Euro 2020 Championships and Qatar World Cup in 2022.

“We are delighted to bring Matt on board,” Hughes said.

“As a group of staff, we feel he is a really good signing for us, and he will certainly strengthen the squad.

“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.”

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