MATTHEW RIDENTON. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Newcastle coach Carl Robinson has made a hefty squad move since taking charge of the Jets by signing his former Wales international teammate Joe Ledley on a short-term A-League contract.

Veteran central midfielder Ledley will play the rest of the season for the Jets who confirmed the departure of New Zealand international Matt Ridenton earlier on Tuesday.

Robinson and Ledley combined at international level for five years, until 2009.

Ledley, 33, has played 77 times for Wales, starting all six games on their way to the semi-finals of the 2016 European Championship.

After six years at Cardiff City, Ledley represented Celtic for nearly four seasons - playing a role in three Scottish Premiership title-winning campaigns - before stints in England with Crystal Palace, Derby County and Charlton Athletic.

Ledley has arrived in Newcastle and said he was eager to prove himself over the last eight games of the campaign for the 10th-placed Jets as they push for an unlikely finals berth.

"I've come here to play and I know I'll have to be at my best to earn a spot in the starting XI here in Newcastle," Ledley said.

"I've only been to Australia once before, for a pre-season tour with Celtic back in 2011, and I'm really looking forward to the challenge of the A-League.

"The opportunity to work under Carl is one that I'm also looking forward to..."

Three weeks after taking the reins, Robinson was satisfied he has landed a player who can make an impact.

"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," Robinson said.

"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."

The Jets said in a statement they had agreed with Ridenton to terminate his contract, in a move which made way for Ledley's arrival.

Ridenton made 30 appearances during his 18 months with Newcastle, employed primarily off the bench this season.

Ledley's signing comes a day after the Jets announced the acquisition of former Central Coast and Sydney FC attacker Bernie Ibini until the end of the season.