SWINDON Town have announced the signing of former Bristol Rovers defender Cian Harries on a one-year contract.

The 25-year-old centre-back joins Swindon as a free transfer after he was released from the Memorial Stadium at the end of last season having played 16 times in all competitions.

He scored a stunning left-footed volley from outside the box against Mansfield Town on the opening day of the 2021-22 campaign but failed to consistently break into Joey Barton’s promotion-winning side.

Harries is the latest addition at Swindon following the arrival of Oscar Massey, Tyrese Shade, Reece Devine, and Sol Brynn.

Speaking to Town’s media team, Harries said: “I’m really pleased to be here and thankful for the opportunity the manager has given me to come to this great club.

“Swindon have a fantastic fanbase and great potential, so this wasn’t a tough decision to make and I was really eager to get the deal over the line.

“I’ve had some really good experience playing abroad and being part of a side that got promoted last term, so I’d like to think I’m adaptable and know what is required to compete at the top end of the league.”

Meanwhile, head coach Scott Lindsey shared his thoughts following his fifth new arrival of the window.

He said: “Cian is a player I’ve liked for some time and played against us last season.

“He’s a left-footed centre-half that will give us more balance and is an incredibly gifted footballer, so I’m delighted to have him join us and this signing really strengthens us at the back.”

The former Wales Under-21 man began his career at Coventry City’s academy and went on to make nine first-team appearances over a two-year spell for the Sky Blues between 2015 and 2017 Following a loan spell at Cheltenham Town during his time at Coventry, Harries moved to Swansea City but made just eight appearances for the Jacks – his debut coming in a League Cup clash against Crystal Palace.

The centre-back also featured against Aston Villa in the Championship and in a 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City in South Wales.

With opportunities proving difficult to come by at Swansea, Harries went on loan to Eredivisie side Fortuna Sittard in August 2019, making eight starts and scoring once.

Harries was later signed by former Swindon head coach Ben Garner at Bristol Rovers in January 2020 and went on to make a total of 47 appearances for the Gas.

Birmingham-born Harries has represented Wales at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.