Welsh international midfielder Joe Ledley has joined Glasgow giants Celtic FC as a free agent.

Having left boyhood club Cardiff City FC when his contract expired in the summer, Ledley, 23, has signed a four-year contract at Celtic Park, where he joins fellow newcomers Charlie Mulgrew and Cha Du-Ri. "I came up to have a look at the stadium and training facilities and I fell in love with the club straight away," Ledley said. "It's a massive club so I'm happy to sort the contract out and sign for Celtic.

Manager Neil Lennon added: "We really are delighted to welcome Joe to Celtic. Clearly, there were a number of clubs very interested in signing him so we're very pleased he has chosen to come to Celtic, somewhere I think he can be a tremendous success." The Hoops – who have also sold central defender Stephen McManus to Middlesbrough FC – start their UEFA Champions League campaign in the third qualifying round having finished second in Scotland last season. They will learn their opponents in Friday's draw in Nyon.