Wales international Matt Smith joins Doncaster Rovers

Smith, 20, who started for Wales in their recent Nations League clashes against Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria, was keen to go out on loan in search of regular first-team football - with several Championship and League One clubs having inquired about his availability.

But Rovers, whose manager Darren Moore is developing an outstanding reputation for developing young players, have won the race to sign Smith.

Smith have spent previous loan stints with Eredivisie side FC Twente and in the Championship outfits Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic, who he played for last term.

On joining the club, Smith said: "It’s a great opportunity to come here and play. The gaffer is one of the main reasons I wanted to come and play for this club.

"I’m so excited and over the moon to finally get playing again, the manager’s creating a project here and it’s something I want to be a part of.

"I think it’s a great opportunity to come and play. Even being here for 15 minutes there’s a great feel around the place and I’m delighted to be here.”

The arrival of Smith - capped 11 times at senior level by Wales - follows on from the signing of Southampton winger Josh Sims, who has joined Rovers on loan until January.

It takes the club's loan contingent up to six with Stoke City keeper Joe Bursik, attacking Brighton midfielder Taylor Richards, West Brom's Rayhaan Tulloch and Arsenal forward Tyreece John-Jules already at the club.