Bristol City keen to keep Fulham’s Smith

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Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill has told the Western Daily Press he expects to keep hold of on-loan Fulham striker Matt Smith.

The forward scored all four goals as City beat Gillingham 4-2 in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy southern area final first leg on Tuesday, leaving the League One club just 90 minutes from a trip to Wembley.

Fulham boss Kit Symons was at Priestfield to see Smith in action, but Cotterill still believes he can extend the former Leeds man’s loan spell before it expires later this month.

Cotterill said: “I’ve spoken to Kit about Matt Smith and I don’t think anything has changed.

“He was fifth or sixth choice at Fulham when he came to us and I don’t see him getting in their side ahead of the likes of Hugo Rodallega and Ross McCormack.

“He’s enjoying his football with us. I’d love for him to stay beyond the end of January and I’m confident that can still happen.”

Smith joined Fulham on transfer deadline day but has played just 38 minutes in three appearances, and last month admitted his frustration at seeing his career with the Whites stall.

He has now scored eight goals in eight appearances for Bristol City since joining on loan in November.

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