Socceroos defender makes Cardiff move

Socceroo Brad Smith has joined Cardiff City on a loan deal until the end of the English Championship season.

The left-back joins from English Premier League club Bournemouth, who he's been with since 2016 but made only five appearances.

Smith only returned to the Cherries in November after a successful loan spell in the US with Seattle Sounders.

Having missed out on Australia's squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Smith returned to the national team set-up last year following his good form for the Sounders in the MLS.

The 25-year-old started the Socceroos' last two World Cup qualifiers against Taiwan and Jordan and also ended his American experience by helping the Sounders win the MLS Cup.

Formerly on the books at Liverpool before joining Bournemouth, Smith is the first recruit for Cardiff boss Neil Harris.

Relegated from the Premier League last season, the Bluebirds sit 12th on the Championship ladder.

"We've been looking for a left back to compete with Joe Bennett, somebody that is attack minded, has real pace and energy and can go up and down the pitch," Harris said.

"Brad ticks the boxes."