Chris Smith has joined the Pars on loan until the middle of January

Dunfermline Athletic have signed goalkeeper Chris Smith on loan from St Mirren until 17 January.

Smith, who recently recovered from a serious knee injury, is in the Pars' squad for Tuesday's First Division clash with Queen of the South.

The 23-year-old is a product of St Mirren's youth team.

But his first-team appearances have been limited because of injury and the form of former Dunfermline goalkeeper Paul Gallacher.

Dunfermline moved for Smith after present number one Greg Fleming broke a finger.

Smith told St Mirren's website: "Being part of the playing side of things is something that has been missing for me for a while now.

I feel as good as I did before I picked up the injury St Mirren goalkeeper Chris Smith

"So, hopefully, over my six weeks with Dunfermline, I'll get some playing time, which will hopefully put me in good stead for coming back here to St Mirren in the new year.

"I feel as good as I did before I picked up the injury, so I'm feeling good to go and have been for a couple of months now."

Gallacher had made the switch to Paisley during the summer as the Scottish Premier League side looked to cover their own injuries.

Smith has made 76 Scottish Premier League appearances for the Buddies since making his debut in April 2005.

He underwent surgery in March following a serious knee injury and initially feared he could be sidelined for up to a year.

Meanwhile, striker Paul Quinn's loan with Third Division side Queen's Park has been extended until 6 January.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version