Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Dungannon Swifts boss Dean Shiels highlights reasons for teen star's improved contract

Dungannon Swifts have rewarded teenage international Corey Smith with an improved contract.

The 18-year-old winger scored his first senior goal for the club in Friday night's 1-1 draw with Glenavon, salvaging a point for the Swifts after coming on as a substitute with 15 minutes remaining.

Smith has been a regular for Dungannon's Under 20 side this season and has also made nine first-team appearances from the bench.

Read more: Rodney McAree fires a warning after 'disappointing' Glentoran defeat

Speaking to Dungannon's website, the teen said of his new contract: “It’s something that’s been on my radar for a while now. I enjoy being at the club and I’m up around the first team a lot more often now which is really good.

"My aim is to push on and be up with the first team and involved with the match day squad, week in and week out. This is something I’m really looking forward to doing.”

Dungannon boss Dean Shiels has predicted a bright future for Smith, who he says at times this season has been "unplayable".

Shiels told the club's YouTube channel: "I think Corey is one of a number of talented players at the club that we're delighted to tie down. He deserves his new contract.

Corey Smith in action for Northern Ireland U18s (Jonathan Porter/PressEye)

"He has sometimes been unplayable in the Under 20 games this season. He has got that talent where he can go one vs one. We want wide players to attack and score goals, and he is exactly the type of player we're delighted to have at the club.

"As you saw against Glenavon, coming on and scoring. He is going to be a big player for this club going forward."

READ NEXT:

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.