FORMER CELTIC AND Crystal Palace midfielder Joe Ledley has joined Newcastle Jets in Australia’s A-League, where he’ll become a team-mate of Roy O’Donovan and Wes Hoolahan.
The Welsh international has been without a club since his one-month deal with Charlton expired in January.
Ledley, 33, had been training with League Two Newport County but has opted to swap Wales for New South Wales where he’ll play under former international team-mate Carl Robinson.
Ledley has signed a contract which will last until the end of the A-League season in May.
“I know I’ll have to be at my best to earn a spot in the starting 11,” Ledley said.
“The opportunity to work under Carl is one that I’m also looking forward to.
“We crossed paths in a few Wales camps when I was a youngster and to have the chance to link up with him again is exciting.”
Robinson added: “Joe’s record at club and international level speaks for itself, he’s a class player and to have him here at the Jets for the remainder of the season is great.
“He’s the type of player who will really help our younger boys out, plus he’ll add a different dimension to our game and I think he’ll have a good impact.”
Ledley has played 77 times for Wales, scoring four goals, but hasn’t added to his caps since the summer of 2018. He played in every game as Wales reached the Euro 2016 semi-final.
Former Republic of Ireland international Hoolahan, 37, and former U21 international O’Donovan, 34, are also on the books at the second-from-bottom Jets, who have won one and drawn three of their last four fixtures.
Hoolahan made his long-awaited debut for the club on Saturday following ankle surgery, with O’Donovan netting the first goal of his second stint at the Jets in their 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory.
Better staying in a team where he gets game time and no pressure.
@Red Rooster: or show ambition and get a big move, playing under pressure week in week out and thriving.
@Red Rooster: I hope they can afford to keep for at least a season if not two before they sell him, but there’s no way they’ll keep him for 5 years if he kicks on this season.
@David: loads of time for that, remember he’s only 18
@David: r go to a big club get sweet f all mins. Thing don’t go right. Fickle fans on his back. He’s 18 and miles off a top club regular. Amazing talent and prospect but don’t get the Irish blinkers on he’s no where near ready for leading the line for a top side.
@David: Who’s to say he will start week in week out if he does as you said?
Ridiculous the amount of hype around Evan, he’s had one season in the Prem and not even starting for Brighton. Wait till he nails down his place and starts scoring double figure goals before he’s called a replacement for Harry Kane.
And then he broke out in a fit of laughter!