August 26 2009

Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace have signed out-of-contract winger RYAN SMITH on a short term deal.

The former Arsenal player was released by Southampton at the end of last season and joins after Palace's transfer embargo was lifted.

SMITH, 22, impressed Eagles boss Neil Warnock in a two week trial and could make his debut in Palace's Carling Cup tie with Man City on Thursday.

Palace assistant manager Mick Jones told the Croydon Guardian: "He is very left footed but I have seen him on the right wing and on the left wing and he can play either side comfortably.

"He will go past defenders and he will create chances, that is the main part of his game. He doesn't score many goals, but he creates goals.

"He is also a player who runs with the ball on the end of his foot and doesn't need to look at it twice.

"His head is always up and he has a good first touch, so once it is under control he is then capable of taking defenders on."

SMITH started his career with the Gunners and made six appearances in the League Cup, going on loan to Leicester for first team experience.

A move to Derby came in 2006, but he only made 20 appearances before joining Millwall for £150,000 after spending time on loan with the Lions.

He impressed initially at the Den but after a loss in form, SMITH joined Southampton on loan then made the move full time in January 2009.