Getting to know Matt Smith: A profile of Doncaster Rovers' deadline day signing

Here we take a look at Smith’s career so far.

Name: Matthew Robert Smith

Born: November 22, 1999, Redditch, Worcestershire

HE’S A FULLY FLEDGED INTERNATIONAL - AND HAS HIS EYES ON THE EUROS

Remarkably, Smith has 11 senior Wales caps to his name, having made his debut as an 18-year-old. He qualifies for the country due to his grandfather.

He started both of Wales’ Nations League matches over the last week, against the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria, and the majority of his caps have come in competitive matches.

Part of his strong desire to secure a loan and regular senior football this season is to secure a place in the Wales squad for the delayed Euro 2020 next summer.

He captained his national team at age group level.

HE STARTED OUT AS A BAGGIE

Smith was a youngster in the West Bromwich Albion academy before joining Manchester City at the age of 14.

HE’S WITH MANCHESTER CITY LONG TERM

Smith signed a contract at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2023.

While he has yet to earn his first senior appearance for City, he is known to be highly regarded at the club.

HE WAS IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP LAST SEASON

Smith joined Queens Park Rangers on loan last summer but managed only ten appearances before he was recalled by Manchester City due to a lack of game time.

He then joined Charlton Athletic on deadline day in the January window this year. Smith made two appearances for the Addicks due to injury and the Covid-19 lockdown, and was sent back to City ahead of the Championship restart in the summer.

HE’S WON A LEAGUE TITLE

Smith claimed a league winners’ medal in 2019 after winning the Dutch second division with FC Twente, where he was on loan.

He made 31 appearances for Twente as they secured promotion back to the top flight.

HE’S A DECENT CRICKETERSmith had reached county level as a junior cricketer but faced with the choice of sports as he progressed, he opted for football and knuckled down with West Brom.

HE WILL SIT IN MIDFIELD BUT CAN BURST FORWARD TOOSmith has been used in a defensive midfield role for his country but can also play in the number eight position and look to cause the opposition problems.

During his time in Holland he showed his ability to drive forward, particularly on the counter attack.

With this he should be an ideal fit for the dynamic Rovers midfield which ask players to interchange positions regularly. But expect him to start alongside Ben Whiteman.

Smith also previously covered at right back in the City youth team.

WHAT THEY SAID

QPR boss Mark Warburton: “He is tenacious, he rats to get the ball, he’s very comfortable in possession, takes the ball in tight areas and has a lovely range of passing as well.”

Charlton Athletic director of football Steve Gallen: “He’s a good football player, he can handle the ball, he’s a good passer of the ball, he gets up and down the pitch.”

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