Bristol City will keep tabs on Smith

Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill has told his club’s website he intends to keep an eye on Fulham striker Matt Smith after his loan at Ashton Gate expires.

Smith, who has scored 13 times in 20 games for the League One leaders, will play his last game for the Robins when they host Rochdale on Saturday.

And Cotterill said Smith’s contribution – which included firing them to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final – had been ‘huge’.

He said: “Matt came into the team with Jay (Emmanuel-Thomas), after Kieran (Agard) and Aaron (Wilbraham) had suffered their injuries.

“That’s a real credit to Matt and Jay. They ended up striking up a partnership.

“There will be a tinge of sadness for Matt on Saturday because he’s enjoyed his time here.

“He’s been a big character on the field, but also off the pitch as well.

“We’ll all keep an eye on Matt from now on. He’s been a brilliant loan signing and he’s a first-class lad.”

Smith joined Fulham on transfer deadline day from Leeds United but has played just 38 minutes in three appearances for the Whites.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook