Joe Ledley moves to Newport after Bristol Rovers trial

The Exiles have signed the 34-year-old until the end of the season to boost their push for promotion from League Two.

Ledley trained with County last year before moving to Australia and looked set to join Gas, now managed by Joey Barton, in League One.

However, Flynn learnt on Monday that the move to Rovers was not happening and a deal was completed on Wednesday.

“I didn't realise that he wasn't signing at Bristol," said Flynn. "I thought that it was near enough done.

"It was only a twist of fate that it didn't happen. He had offers from other League Two clubs and he chose to come to us for a lot less than he got offered elsewhere.

“He had been training with Bristol Rovers and has played a couple of behind closed doors games, so we know that he is fit. There's no fat on him, he's in great shape and he has looked after himself."

Wales' Joe Ledley

Ledley could be involved against Leyton Orient tomorrow if County get international clearance in time but the former Cardiff City, Celtic, Crystal Palace and Derby midfielder won’t be picked on reputation.

Eventually he will be tussling with the established midfield trio of Wales international Josh Sheehan, captain Joss Labadie and hard-grafting Scot Bennett for a start.

“I haven't just signed him because of his name,” said Flynn. “He is going to have to hit the ground running and earn the right to be in the team.

“I won't guarantee anybody the right to play if they are not producing the goods, so it's down to Joe.”

“He has got a wealth of experience on and off the pitch so he will be a big asset to the boys because he's been there, seen it and done it,” continued Flynn.

Joe Ledley has signed for Newport County until the end of the season. Picture: Newport County AFC.

“He is not a spring chicken but he has got bags and bags of experience. Sometimes the older you get, the more you read the game and that puts you in a better position to start with.

The arrival of Ledley could see playmaker Sheehan move further forward from his sitting role and he could also be back-up for Matty Dolan at the heart of the defence.

“There are loads of different things that we can do,” said Flynn. “We can maybe push Josh Sheehan higher up the pitch, if something happened to Matty Dolan he could maybe play middle of the three at the back.

“There are loads of different things that we can do and we have to work out what is best.”

County are waiting for international clearance for Ledley ahead of tomorrow’s League Two clash with Leyton Orient.

The Exiles’ three-game winning streak was ended on Tuesday evening when they lost 2-1 at Port Vale and Flynn wants a response before a two-week break because of international call-ups.

“It's a game that we need to be at our best for,” said the manager, whose side lost 2-1 when the teams met at Brisbane Road after a Tristan Abrahams equaliser was wrongly chalked off.

“We want to get the win, regroup and then we've got six weeks to win games to get us in a position to get out of this league.”

Striker Nicky Maynard is available after missing out in Staffordshire because of a sore neck but left wing-back Ryan Haynes looks likely to miss his fourth game in a row because of a groin injury.

Abrahams left for Orient on loan in January and cannot play against his parent club.