Accrington Stanley have added to their attacking options by signing promising young striker Paul Smyth from Queens Park Rangers on loan.
Smyth recently signed a new deal at Loftus Road and is highly regarded by their backroom staff, but he’s not been able to force a start with Nahki wells and Tomer Hemed ahead of him in the pecking order.
Smyth, who can play up front or out wide, signed for Rangers from Linfield, where he made 66 outings and scored 15 goals. He’s found chances limited under Steve McClaren, with just five appearances to his name this season.
He’s thrilled to be heading to the Crown Ground and cited the experiences of Hoops player Joe Lumley, who has spent time there himself.
“I am excited about being here,” he told Accrington’s website. “I spoke to goalkeeper Joe Lumley who was at Accrington a few years ago and he said he loved it here and that it was a good group of players.”
“I have looked at how Accrington have done over the last few seasons and obviously they have come up and are doing well in League One this season and hopefully I can add to the success. It’s a chance for me to express myself and hopefully impress people.”
Manager John Coleman was delighted to get his man after trying to lure him there in the summer.
Stanley manager John Coleman said: “We tried to sign Paul in the summer. He is a full international and I have watched him play for Northern Ireland and QPR.”
Our View
Smyth is a promising talent, but needs game time if he’s going to kick on and realise his potential.
That’s where a loan spell in League One comes in. He should thrive at Stanley, they play football the right way and look to use pace and skill in the final third, which is exactly what Smyth should bring.
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