Courtesy ECU Joondalup

Pictured: Joseph Jones. Photo courtesy: Peter Simcox

ECU Joondalup have continued their rebuilding for 2016 with the signing of former Swansea City defender Joseph Jones.

The 19-year-old landed in Perth on Sunday and trained for the first time with his new teammates on Monday in preparation for the QBE NPLWA Night Series.

Jones, who played his junior football at Cardiff City, joined the Swans in 2012 on a football Scholarship where he played in the club’s Premier League U21 side and also represented Wales at youth level.

Jones joins former Hearts striker Gordon Smith and ex-St Mirren and Perth Glory midfielder Steven McGarry as major ECU recruits.

Jones said he had been impressed with ECU’s ambitions after discussions with head coach Dale McCulloch.

“The club are making a big statement this year and it's exciting to be a part of it,” Jones said.

McCulloch said the recruitment of Jones, Smith and McGarry were crucial for ECU.

“After losing a number of experienced players, the likes of Charlie Comyn-Platt, Carl Rodgers and Jon Higgins from last season, the signing of Joseph, Gordon Smith and Steven McGarry is vital,” he said. “Our defence is very young and Joseph will bring a vast amount of experience at the back. He is only young himself but he’s played at a good level in the FA Premier League U21 at Swansea. He’s fitted in immediately and looks good on the ball.”

Jones represented Wales at youth level, playing six times against England, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, Switzerland and Mexico.

ECU kick-off their QBE Night Series campaign against Balcatta at Percy Doyle Reserve on Sunday at 7pm.

Click here for QBE Night Series fixtures.