CWMBRAN Celtic boss Nicky Morgan has hailed the signing of former Newport County striker Tom Meechan ahead of tomorrow’s JD Cymru South derby clash with rivals Undy.

Cambridge-born Meechan’s move from Merthyr Town was announced yesterday, 48 hours before Celtic look to avenge last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Mark Crook’s men.

Meechan, 28, left St Neots Town to join Newport in February 2016 but he only made three appearances, all off the bench, under then Exiles manager Warren Feeney.

After making his Football League debut in a 2-0 defeat by Accrington Stanley at Rodney Parade, maths teacher Meechan featured briefly in losses at Yeovil Town and AFC Wimbledon.

Released at the end of the 2016/17 season, Meechan signed for Hungerford Town – he had spent time on loan there and at Weston-super-Mare while with County.

A return to former club St Neots followed before the centre-forward joined Merthyr.

“Tom is a prolific goal scorer who will add real quality to our attack,” said Morgan.

“An ex-pro with Newport County, we are hoping his experience will not only help us climb the league table but be a great help to the young players we have in the squad.”

Celtic have scored 18 goals in 15 league games so far this season and are 12th of the 16 clubs in JD Cymru South.

Meechan’s experience would have been useful at Celtic Park last time out, as goals from Gareth Cullimore, James Barnes and Sam Broadribb gave Undy all three points.

The teams meet again at The Causeway tomorrow (kick-off 2pm) with Undy looking to pull eight points clear of Celtic.

Meanwhile, boss Morgan has also signed former Merthyr Tydfil forward Lewis Sommers from Goytre.

“Lewis joins us from Goytre and brings with him a wealth of experience at Southern League and Welsh League level over the last 10 to 12 years," added Morgan.

"A huge presence in and around the box and looking at him to score and create goals for us in the second half of the season.”

In Welsh League Division One tonight, Risca United can cut Trefelin BGC’s lead at the top to one point if they win at fifth-placed Goytre.

Tomorrow sees Caldicot Town, in fourth, host struggling Croesyceiliog, who are just a point off bottom side Ton Pentre.

Monmouth Town and Abergavenny Town have home advantage for fixtures against Ton Pentre and Penydarren BGC respectively.

Newport City can return to the top of Division Two tonight should they do the business at Aberdare Town.

Long-time leaders Newport lost their grip on first place just before Christmas when Trethomas Bluebirds trounced Pontyclun 6-0.

They then suffered a 4-3 home defeat to West End last Saturday, giving Ynysygerwn the chance to move to the summit, which they did thanks to a 2-0 victory over Treowen Stars.

Fourth-placed Abertillery Bluebirds could also go top this weekend if Newport slip-up tonight, they beat hosts West End tomorrow and other results go their way.

Meanwhile, pointless Albion Rovers hosts Ynyshir Albions, Chepstow Town entertain Panteg, Tredegar Town welcome Penrhiwceiber Rangers and Treowen go to Trethomas.