NEWPORT County AFC have completed a 12th January signing with Ryan Bird becoming the sixth forward to arrive at Rodney Parade this month.

Bird joins County on a permanent deal from National League club Eastleigh.

The 29-year-old striker should be available for this Saturday’s home clash with Hartlepool United but the move is still subject to international clearance.

Bird began his career at non-league Burnham and his record of 133 goals in 340 appearances earned him a move to Portsmouth in 2013.

He moved on to Cambridge United in 2014, Yeovil Town the following year and Eastleigh last summer and has also spent time on loan at Havant & Waterlooville, Cambridge and Hartlepool United.

South Wales Argus:

The 6ft 4ins striker has scored seven times in 18 appearances for Eastleigh this season, although four of those goals came in a 6-0 FA Cup win over Southern League side North Leigh.

Exiles boss Graham Westley said: “Ryan has a strong track record in situations like ours and in our league.

“He is both a target man and an able runner, essential ingredients on our pitch. “He provides a perfect platform, especially at home, where his presence will help us to build our attacking game in our opponents’ defensive third.”

South Wales Argus:

Bird will compete with fellow new boys Aaron Williams, Jaanai Gordon, Craig Reid, Florent Bojaj and Alex Samuel, as well as Marlon Jackson, for a starting spot up front.

Westley has also added defenders David Pipe, Sid Nelson, Mark O’Brien and Mickey Demetriou and midfielder Mitchell Rose to his squad in the January transfer window.

First team coach Michael Flynn has also re-registered as a player and has been an unused substitute in the club’s last two matches.

Nine players – Jack Jebb, Josh O’Hanlon, Jon Parkin, Abdoulaye Meite, Rhys Healey, Kyle Cameron, Jordan Green, Dafydd Jones and Ben Jones – have left Rodney Parade this month.

And midfield duo Ben Tozer and Jack Compton have also been told they are free to find a new club.