NEWPORT County AFC have signed defender Josh Seberry on a two-year deal after a successful trial.

The 19-year-old Irishman has featured frequently in pre-season, both at the heart of a defensive three and on the right.

Manager Graham Coughlan has decided that his compatriot, who came through the ranks at Drogheda United and moved to Shelbourne in the Irish capital, has earned a crack at the Football League.

Seberry is raw but will provide competition and back-up to the senior defenders James Clarke, Ryan Delaney and Kyle Jameson, with Declan Drysalde targeting an autumn return from injury.

“Josh comes very highly recommended,” said Coughlan. “He’s a natural athlete and has great physical attributes.

“He has a lot of learning and development ahead of him, which will take time, but he is a very exciting project and we are all really looking forward to working with him.’’

South Wales Argus: DEAL: Josh Seberry has signed for Newport CountyDEAL: Josh Seberry has signed for Newport County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Seberry adds to the Irish contingent with Dubliners Coughlan, assistant Joe Dunne and Mark O’Brien on the management team while summer signings Shane McLoughlin and Ryan Delaney are from Kerry and Wexford respectively.

The central defender, who started off as a winger, was invited for an initial week-long trial but stayed on along with former Torquay central defender Jacob Mensah.

Seberry is thrilled to have earned a shot at Rodney Parade after becoming the eighth addition to the squad this summer.

“I think the standard of training is very good,” he said. “The staff are brilliant and it’s nice to have plenty of Irish links here.

“There’s a really good vibe among the team as well. I can feel myself getting quicker and sharper already, so hopefully the only way is up from here.”

County have signed Seberry, Jameson, Delaney, versatile McLoughlin and midfielders Bryn Morris and Nathan Wood on permanent deals.

Left-back Matty Bondswell and striker Seb Palmer-Houlden have arrived on loan from Newcastle and Bristol City respectively.

County start their season at Accrington Stanley on Saturday, August 5 with tomorrow’s friendly at Yeovil followed by a Parade tune-up with Cheltenham on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).