Crystal Palace have awarded a short-term contract to former Arsenal trainee Ryan Smith.
Winger earns Palace deal
Crystal Palace have awarded a short-term contract to former Arsenal trainee Ryan Smith.
The 22-year-old winger found himself without a club this summer after being released by Southampton.
The youngster, who has also taken in spells at Leicester, Derby and Millwall, has been training with Palace in recent weeks.
Eagles boss Neil Warnock has now decided to bring Smith on board, with the opportunity there for the midfielder to earn an extended deal should he impress.
Assistant manager Mick Jones said: "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 could be handed an immediate debut for his new employers in their Carling Cup clash with Manchester City on Thursday, a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 & HD 1.
