Bristol City midfielder Korey Smith is back on a football pitch for the first time since last season after being spotted on his return to training.

Smith has been out of action for the past six months after breaking two bones in his foot and tearing a ligament in a Championship game with Reading last term, not long after returning from injury following knee ligament damage in August.

Smith spent most of the 2018-2019 campaign on crutches and hasn't kicked a ball in anger nor in frustration much over the last 15 months.

The former Oldham Athletic midfielder has a special place in the heart of Bristol City fans, having scored the late winner against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup back in the 2017-2018 season.

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The 28 year-old signed for the club from Oldham in 2014, having been Johnson's captain at the Latics during the 2013-2014 season.

Since arriving in BS3, Smith has featured in 174 games and scored five goals as his return to action could come at a perfect moment to keep the other midfielders on their toes, as the experienced box-to-box midfielder could slot in to a quality midfield including Han-Noah Massengo, Josh Brownhill and Kasey Palmer.

The Verdict

Smith returning to training is bound to be a big boost to Robins manager Lee Johnson, as he looks to get him back out on the field to increase the options he has in midfield.

Smith has proven that he already has quality at Championship midfield, and will provide the experienced head in the centre of the park following Marlon Park's departure in the summer.