Bristol City fans have been longing for midfielder Korey Smith to return to action for a while now, and the Robins fans appear to have got their wish.

Smith stepped back on to the pitch as he captained the Robins under-23s yesterday during a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City, and supporters in attendance would have been excited to see the 28-year-old make it through the game.

The former Oldham Athletic man has had an injury nightmare over the past 14 months,  but his return to action will be a satisfactory one for Robins fans as they will be excited to see their hero from the Manchester United Carabao Cup 2017 game, where Smith scored the winner, pull on the first-team shirt again.

In the centre of midfield, Smith has the experience that Bristol City fans crave to hold the discipline in midfield, a role that City haven't had anybody to play since Marlon Pack departed for Cardiff in the summer, and the 28-year-old has the composure on the ball as well as the defensive ability to bring a difference to the side.

Smith's Championship experience and his attitude on and off the pitch is something that can help lead City forward as they attempt to maintain their play-off status in the league with a third of the season now gone.

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The central midfielder is a fan favourite at Ashton Gate having put in some memorable performances for the Robins over the years that he has spent in the south west, and when he gets a chance to step back out in front of 20,000 fans with a first-team shirt, the cheer he will get will be one of the loudest yet.

Smith has always been complimentary of the support that he has received at Ashton Gate, and supporters of the club have helped Smith through his injury struggles with their well-wishes and support for the experienced player.

City fans however will be delighted with the news that one of their favourites is due to step back out on to the pitch again shortly, but this time for the first-team, as the Robins squad works its way back up to full fitness.