Mansfield Town sign former Notts defender John Thompson

Thompson captained the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side

Mansfield Town have signed former Notts County defender John Thompson.

The 29-year-old was released by the Magpies this summer and had trials in Norway and America before signing a two-year contract at Field Mill.

Mansfield manager Paul Cox told BBC Radio Nottingham: "He's a player that we had tabs on for a while.

"He'll be a great acquisition to this football club, a great defender with great experience and a guy who will put smiles on supporters' faces."

Thompson started his career with Nottingham Forest where he played more than a hundred times.

During his time at the City Ground he also earned three caps for the Republic of Ireland, meaning he has represented his country at every level.

Cox admitted that Thompson's desire to stay in Nottinghamshire was key.

He said: "He lives in the Nottingham area and so is settled. We're lucky to have him because if it wasn't about location he'd have had his pick of other clubs."