Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon has snapped up Aberdeen striker Cammy Smith on a season-long loan.
The 24-year-old front man came up through the youth ranks at Pittodrie and made his first-team debut in April, 2012.
Smith, who also helped Aberdeen lift the League Cup in 2014, is well known to McKinnon who worked with him when he was at the SFA.
Subject to clearance, the player should be available for selection for United’s first competitive match of the season on Friday against Arboath at Gayfield in the Betfred Cup.
McKinnon said, “I am delighted to bring Cammy into the club. He is a fantastic young footballer who I have worked with at the various Scotland levels.
“He will add quality to our forward area and he can play in any of the four forward positions.
“This signing adds more quality to our squad as we focus on the start of the competitive fixtures.”
Smith himself admitted he has made the move in a bid to find regular first-team football.
He said: “I feel this is the right move for me this season. At this stage of my development, I need to try and play more first-team football, so I am really looking forward to the challenge of trying to play on a regular basis for Dundee United.
“I think the Championship this season is going to be a good league and it is going to be very competitive.
“I know a number of the younger players at Tannadice as I have been with them in the Scotland youth set-up so I am sure they will help me settle in quickly.
“I am still an Aberdeen player and, first and foremost an Aberdeen fan – I will try to get along to watch the games when I can.
“I will be working hard to help Dundee United have success this season and hopefully if I do well I can become more of a regular for Aberdeen in the years to come.”
Dons boss Derek McInnes revealed that while the loan is a season-long one, Aberdeen have the option to recall Smith in January if necessary.
The manager said: “This is a good move for Cammy and an opportunity for him to play regular first-team football.
“The objective is for him to gain valuable experience and come back here pushing for a regular first-team spot.
“Although it’s a season-long loan, we have the option to recall him in January.”
