Full name Michael Smith Name Michael Smith | Playing position Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | |
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Date of birth (1988-09-04) 4 September 1988 (age 27) Place of birth Ballyclare, Northern Ireland | ||
Player focus michael smith northern ireland defender
Michael Smith (born 4 September 1988) is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Heart of Midlothian. Smith has received several honors, including the Ballymena United Player of the Year in 2009-10, and Bristol Rovers Player of the Year in 2012-2013.
Contents
- Player focus michael smith northern ireland defender
- Career
- Bristol Rovers
- Peterborough United
- Heart of Midlothian
- International
- Career statistics
- Honours
- References
Career
Smith began playing football under the management of his father at Greenisland Boys Club and was picked up by his first senior club, Ballyclare Comrades in 2005. He signed for Ballymena United in January 2009, and made over 100 appearances for them before moving to England to join Bristol Rovers in 2011.
Bristol Rovers
He made his debut on 6 August 2011, in a 3–2 victory away against AFC Wimbledon. He made his home debut on 13 August in a 1–2 defeat to local rivals Torquay United.
Smith scored his first goal for Rovers in the League Cup against Ipswich Town, which Bristol Rovers lost 3–1.
Peterborough United
On 25 July 2014, Smith moved to Peterborough United, signing a three-year deal.
Heart of Midlothian
On 30 June 2017, Michael Smith signed for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. He signed a two year deal and will wear the number 2 shirt, previously worn by Callum Paterson.
International
Smith received his first call-up to the senior Northern Ireland squad on 16 March 2016 for friendlies against Wales and Slovenia.