Former Huddersfield and Stoke defender Tommy Smith on trial with Middlesbrough - playing at Bishop

Middlesbrough have taken Tommy Smith on trial and are taking a closer look at the defender this summer ahead of potentially signing him. The former Huddersfield and Stoke right-back has been training with Boro for the past week and will play for the first-team at Bishop Auckland on Saturday afternoon.

The right-back is expected to line-up at right wing-back after being named in the starting line-up for the first half at Heritage Park. Chris Wilder's side are kicking off their summer schedule at Bishop Auckland, with new signings Liam Roberts, Darragh Lenihan and Ryan Giles also starting the game.

Smith is 30 years old and a free agent this summer after being released by Stoke City this summer. He spent three years there, making 106 appearances for the Potters after moving from Huddersfield Town in 2019. The Warrington-born defender had spent all of his professional career prior to that with the Terriers where he racked up 200 appearances, including 39 appearances in the Premier League.

Smith has been at Rockliffe training with Boro during a trial period with the club for the past week. And Chris Wilder will get a closer look at him in action as he takes to the field with Boro for their opening pre-season friendly of the summer at Bishop Auckland. Wilder will run the rule over whether to offer the veteran a contract, with cover at right wing-back needed for Isaiah Jones.

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