NEWPORT County AFC boss Michael Flynn has hailed Wales international Andrew Crofts as “the ultimate professional” after signing the experienced midfielder on a one-year deal.

Crofts, 34, has made nearly 500 appearances at club level, including a spell in the Premier League with Norwich City, and played 29 times for his country.

A former teammate of Flynn while with Gillingham, Crofts spent a year at the top level with the Canaries after helping them win promotion from the Championship in 2011.

He enjoyed a second stint at Brighton following his time in Norfolk and went on to play for Gillingham again, Charlton Athletic and, most recently, Scunthorpe United.

On signing for the Exiles, Crofts told iFollow Exiles: “I’m really excited to sign for Newport County AFC.

“I’ve been speaking to the gaffer for a couple of weeks now and as soon as we started talking I was really interested in signing for this club.

“I played with Michael Flynn at Gillingham and he was a winner. I loved playing with him and I can’t wait to play for him now with him being my gaffer.”

Flynn added: “Andrew coming in is a massive signing for the club.

“He’s someone I know well from our time playing together at Gillingham and he’s gone on to have a fantastic career making nearly 500 career appearances and playing in the Premier League with Norwich City.

“He’s also represented Wales 29 times and was recently on standby for the squad.

“He’s the ultimate professional and he’s in fantastic condition.

“He’s shown real enthusiasm to sign for the club and also still has ambitions of playing higher and hopefully that will be with Newport County AFC.”