Former Swansea City and Birmingham City winger Jefferson Montero has returned to English football - signing for FC St Helens in a shock deal. The 35-year-old will make the drop to the North West Counties Premier Division in the ninth tier of the pyramid.

The Ecuadorian made 64 senior international appearance for La Tricolor between 2007 and 2018, making his debut in a 5-1 win over Peru as an 18-year-old. Montero will now ply his trade in the North West Counties Premier Division under Michael Smith, who led the Stripes to promotion after romping the First Division North last term.

FC, who were only formed in 2014, have enjoyed a rise through the pyramid after earning promotion from the Cheshire Football League. They have enjoyed a strong debut season in the Counties Premier Division, winning 14 out of their opening 30 matches as they sit four points off the play-offs.

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St Helens take on Chadderton at Avro's Vestacare Stadium on Friday night (January 17), but it is unlikely that the attacker will feature. He could then make his debut on January 25 when they travel to Colne.

Garry Monk brought Montero to England, signing him as a 24-year-old from Mexican outfit Morelia. FC St Helens sporting director Mark Hayes said of the move: "I am absolutely delighted to bring Jefferson to FC St Helens. With SMS Pro Soccer, I work with Antonio Valencia's academy in Ecuador - AV25 - and Jefferson has been playing there.

"There are some incredible talents at AV25, they have had three promotions in three years. However, we've been lucky enough to sign the one who is ex-Premier League and La Liga.

"This isn't a publicity stunt. Jefferson is still hungry, having only recently stopped playing, and he's exactly what FC St Helens needs for the second half of the season push."