FRENCH free agent Maxime Blanchard has become the 13th new arrival at Newport County AFC in 2017 after agreeing a short-term deal with manager Graham Westley.

The 30-year-old, who can play in defence or in midfield, is set to make his debut in tonight’s League Two clash with leaders Doncaster Rovers at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7.45pm).

After leaving his native France in 2010, Blanchard spent a season at Tranmere Rovers and enjoyed a three-year stay at Plymouth Argyle.

He made more than 100 appearances for Argyle and won the club’s player of the year award for the 2011-2012 season.

After leaving Home Park in 2014 Blanchard most recently played for Shamrock Rovers in the League of Ireland Premier Division.

He left Rovers in July last year and has trained with the Exiles this week.

Speaking after the deal had been agreed, Westley said: “Max has joined us on a game by game arrangement because we have a need and because he loves playing football.

“Those are the people I want at our club; people who talk about passion for the game and people who respect the privilege of being a professional footballer.

“Max has experience, quality and grit. Right here, right now – that’s what we need.”

Blanchard could replace captain Scot Bennett, who is suffering from a knee injury, in a defensive midfield role alongside Mitch Rose this evening.

He follows Aaron Williams, Jaanai Gordon, David Pipe, Sid Nelson, Mark O’Brien, Craig Reid, Michael Flynn, Flo Bojaj, Mickey Demetriou, Alex Samuel, Ryan Bird and Rose in signing for the Exiles this year.