St Johnstone midfielder Matt Smith has Welsh squad return ambition but puts focus into club form

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Matt Smith hopes he can piece together a strong run of St Johnstone form to edge back towards international recognition with Wales.The midfielder, who played the full game in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Pittodrie, has 19 caps for The Dragons and was in their 2022 World Cup squad.Former Manchester City youth Smith is focused on performing at club level and, if he does that, would love to represent Wales again.“Representing your country is massive,” he explained on Sunday.“It’s something that I knew wouldn’t happen quickly.“I’ve got to get my head down and play well for St Johnstone.“It’s always the aim to get back in the fold but I’m not putting pressure on myself.“If it happens it will be because I deserve it and I’ve been playing well for my club.

I’m focusing on St Johnstone.”Smith arrived at Saints in the summer and has shown he can be an asset in the middle of the park.“I’m really enjoying it here,” he said. “The lads are class.

I love the club and I love the area.“My family will be moving up in a couple of months.“I’ve been trying to get back to see our new baby.

I don’t think my missus will say that it’s been enough!“With there being no game next weekend I’ll be able to go down there to do my duties.”Reflecting on the stalemate against Aberdeen in the north east on Sunday, Smith felt plenty of neat football was on show in the opening 45 minutes.He said: “Aberdeen are a good side and we played very well in the first half against them.“We were a bit disappointed that we didn’t replicate that as much in the second half.“You know you’re going to get tough spells at places like this and I thought we dug in well.“That’s what you need to get results.“We’ve now drawn away to Celtic and Aberdeen, which shows we have the ability to