BREAKING: Doncaster Rovers sign Manchester City midfielder Matt Smith on a season-long loan

The 20-year-old has been Darren Moore’s primary target in recent weeks as he looked to bolster his midfield ranks.

And Smith flew straight into Doncaster after winning his 11th cap for the senior Wales side in their win in Bulgaria on Wednesday night.

“He’s a fantastic player,” Moore said. “He manages the ball well.

“He needs that first team action. He went to QPR on loan and it didn’t quite happen for him which was nothing to do with his ability.

“He’s a talented boy and I’ve no doubts that he can handle the level. You can see him now, he’s playing for the Wales national team. He’s a fully fledged player for them.

“It’ll be another good prominent signing for us.”

Smith has yet to make his senior debut for City but made more than 30 appearances for FC Twente as they won the Dutch second division title in 2019.

He started last season on loan with Queens Park Rangers but was recalled midway through the campaign due to a lack of game time.

He then moved to Charlton Athletic on loan but managed only two appearances due to injury prior to the season being halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Smith typically operates as a holding midfielder but can also play further forward.

“It’s a great opportunity to come here and play,” he told the official Rovers website. “The gaffer is one of the main reasons I wanted to come and play for this club.

“I’m so excited and over the moon to finally get playing again. The manager’s creating a project here and it’s something I want to be a part of.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to come and play. Even being here for 15 minutes there’s a great feel around the place and I’m delighted to be here.”

Smith will wear the number 14 shirt.

He is eligible to make his Rovers debut in Saturday’s trip to Portsmouth and trained with his new team mates on Friday morning.

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