NEWPORT County AFC have signed full-back Ashley Baker from EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent transfer until the end of the 2020/21 season for an undisclosed fee.

The Bridgend-born 23-year-old joined Sheffield Wednesday in 2017 after beginning his career at Cardiff City.

An international at youth level with Wales, Baker first joined the Bluebirds in the Under-14 age group.

The full back became a key player for the Cardiff Under-18s and Development Squad during his time in the Welsh capital.

He completed his scholarship with Cardiff and was offered professional terms following the conclusion of the 2014/15 campaign.

Following his permanent transfer to Sheffield Wednesday, Baker made his full debut in the Owls' 5-1 win over Norwich on the final day of the 2017/18 campaign.

After making a strong start to the 2018/19 season, Baker earned his first call-up to Wales Under-21s, playing in a 2-1 win over Liechtenstein. He went on to make a further two appearances for the Under-21s.

An experienced player, Baker made 12 appearances in all competitions, 11 in the EFL Championship, for the Owls the last season.

The defender will wear number 12 while at Rodney Parade.

After putting pen to paper, Baker said: "As soon as I found out there was interest, it was a no brainer for me to come back home to Wales and accept this great opportunity.

"I enjoyed my time at Sheffield Wednesday, but it was time for me to move on and as soon as I heard the interest from the Gaffer I was straight on to my agent trying to get the deal sorted straight away.

"I'd like to say I am hard-working and love to get up and down the pitch. I can't wait to get going."

County manager Michael Flynn said: "Ash is a very important signing for us. With us losing Danny McNamara back to Millwall and Dan Leadbitter not quite back from injury, as soon as we had the chance of getting Ash in we jumped at it.

"Ash has played 12 games for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship last season, he's a good age and he is local to the area which ticks a lot of boxes.

"He is somebody who will not only strengthen us, but he looked comfortable playing in the Championship last season, so this is a very important signing. I'd like to thank Garry Monk and the Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri for getting this one over the line."