Pompey transfers '“ Michael Smith factfile

Michael Smith during his spell at Barnsley Picture: Dean Adkins

Here’s the lowdown on the Robins front man...

1. Smith made his Football League debut for Darlington in 2010, scoring six times in 37 appearances for The Quakers

2. In 2011, the forward signed for Charlton for an undisclosed fee, after trials at Stoke and Birmingham.

3. On his arrival at the Addicks, then manager Chris Powell said: ‘He’s one for the future.

‘He’s got a good touch, is aerially strong.

‘He did impress us on trial and we’ve kept an eye on him. A lot of clubs have been in for him.’

4. Smith only made two appearances for Charlton, though, and was sent out on loan four times before joining Swindon in January 2014.

5. Those loan clubs included Accrington Stanley – where he briefly played under Paul Cook – Newport County, Colchester and AFC Wimbledon.

6. Swindon paid £100,000 for the striker’s services and he made an immediate impact by scoring eight times in 18 appearances at the tail end of the 2013-14 season.

7. The striker then followed that impressive record up with 18 goals in 46 appearances as the Robins made it to the 2014-15 League One play-off final.

8. Smith started the first four games of this season for Swindon without scoring and was loaned out to Barnsley last September.

9. At the time, Barnsley boss Lee Johnson told the club’s official website: ‘I’m really pleased to get this one over the line.

‘Michael will not only bring a great presence to our forward line but he adds goals, too.’

10. During his spell at Oakwell, however, Smith failed to score in 13 appearances, with nine of those coming off the bench.

11. He played 13 minutes for Swindon against Barnsley on Saturday, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win.