Hughes hoping Smith’s experience will help Carrick young guns

As revealed first by the Carrick Times, the former Northern Ireland international put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the Championship club on Thursday afternoon.

Smith, now 31, has had spells at Preston North End, Glentoran and Ballymena United. He made 18 appearances for Northern Ireland between 2003 and 2005 and played on the international stage alongside his new boss, Hughes.

“I am pleased to get Andy on board, he is a top quality player and a proven goalscorer,” Hughes told the club’s website. “I am hoping he can bring on board his experience and help the younger members of the squad.

“Andy had interest from a number of other clubs but, after speaking to him, he was very excited about the plans we have, and the project that is currently under way, so opted to join us.”

Smith’s arrival came just days after the signing of former Larne centre-forward Adam Dick.

Dick wasn’t in the squad for the 3-0 win over Newry last week, but made his debut for his hometown club came on Monday evening. The Carrick man netted a goal in the 5-0 win over Killymoon Rangers in the League Cup.

“Adam’s arrival gives us even more competition for places,” Hughes said in an interview in this week’s Times.

“He’s a good player, physically solid and with loads of ability, and I have liked the boy ever since I bought the club over 18 months ago. And, having played for Carrick as a young lad, he was always keen to come back to Taylor’s Avenue, but the timing just hadn’t been right before now.

“He had gone from Larne to Glenavon but, for whatever reason, he just felt it wasn’t the right move for him, perhaps the travelling had something to do with that.

“However, much as I admire Adam as a player, the fact is that he will still have to play his way into the team just like everybody else. I know there is a little bit of frustration creeping in because nobody is sure of a starting spot, but it’s a squad game and players will just have to get used to that.”