Fulham forward Smith admits frustration

Out-of-favour striker Matt Smith has admitted his frustration at seeing his Fulham career stall since his deadline day move from Leeds United.

The 25-year-old has played just 38 minutes in three appearances for the Whites, getting sent off on his debut at Reading, and last month he joined Bristol City on loan.

Smith, who will be at Ashton Gate until 25 January, has started twice for the Robins and said he was relieved to finally be seeing some time on the pitch.

He told City’s website: “One of the reasons I’m here is to play games. I want to get my match fitness back to where it was.

“I want to be hitting the back of the net again and get my confidence and form up once more.

“It’s been a frustrating couple of months with a distinct lack of opportunities on the pitch, so it’s pleasing the manager [Steve Cotterill] has shown some faith in me with two starts so far.”

Smith struck up a prolific partnership with Ross McCormack at Leeds last season, scoring 40 league goals between them, before both moved to Craven Cottage in the summer.

But while McCormack has settled in as a first-team regular at Fulham, even captaining the side on his return to Elland Road last weekend, Smith had been on the fringes until his loan deal.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook