The 30-year-old arrives with an impressive pedigree having made over 250 appearances for seven clubs in the Premier League, EFL and UEFA Europa League.

He began his career as a trainee at Everton but was limited to just one senior appearance in a Europa League tie against BATE Borisov in December 2009.

While at Everton, Akpan spent time on loan with Hull City before signing for Crawley Town on a free transfer in the summer of 2011.

He played 60 games for the Reds, winning promotion to League One in 2012 before impressive performances earned him a move to then-Premier League side Reading in January 2013.

Hope featured 63 times for the Royals, including nine outings in the top flight before departing for Blackburn Rovers in 2015.

Capped on four occasions for Nigeria, Akpan then went on to play 120 games during spells at Blackburn, Burton Albion and Bradford City.

“Attracting Hope to the football club speaks volumes,” manager Dave Dempsey said.

“I have spoken to him about our vision and expectations and he’s totally onboard with what we want to achieve.

“He will provide bags of experience and will give us a lot of added quality, particularly in possession.

“He’s a signing everyone can be excited and I’m personally delighted to get him involved and integrated with the squad during the run-in.”