Newport County is pleased to confirm the signing of Welsh international Matt Smith from Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone, subject to EFL approval and international clearance.
The talented midfielder, 25, has agreed a two-year contract with the Exiles and becomes new manager David Hughes’ first signing since taking over at the Rodney Parade helm last month.
Smith started life at West Bromwich Albion's youth academy before being snapped up by Manchester City in 2013 at the age of 14.
His first taste of senior football came at Dutch club FC Twente at the tender age of 18 on a season-long loan from City, where he made 37 appearances and helped the club clinch promotion to the Eredivisie.
From FC Twente he then enjoyed loan spells at Championship clubs QPR, Charlton and Hull City, plus League One Doncaster Rovers, before joining MK Dons on a permanent deal in January 2022 for an undisclosed fee.
After 18 months at MK, Smith signed a two-year contract with Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone where he made 60 appearances before his move to Wales with the Exiles.
And Midlands-born Smith should certainly feel at home in Gwent after qualifying for the Welsh national team through his grandfather who was born in nearby Blackwood.
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.
Exiles boss David Hughes said: “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.
“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.’’