Sports allrounder Clay Smith, tipped to be the Island's next national cricket team captain, is making a move in soccer.

The big striker has joined Premier Division North Village, having last played for the now defunct Vasco. He sat out last season altogether.

However, Smith won't be eligible to play for the Red Devils in next month's Martonmere Cup final against cross town rivals Devonshire Cougars, as all players obtaining late transfers have to wait until mid-November to make their first appearance.

Nevertheless Village coach Scott Morton has welcomed the addition of Smith to his squad.

"We are presently lacking in our goal scoring department and Clay will definitely be an asset in that capacity," said Morton yesterday.

"That's definitely the position I'm looking for him to play. His confidence around the box is what we need. I feel he will be an asset to our team, without a doubt."

Added Morton: "This week has been good as I've had the opportunity to get a look at some of the younger members in the team. As you know, during our last match against Cable and Wireless, we rested around six regulars to see how the youngsters would gel with the senior players. That was a good period to make some adjustments ahead of next month's final."

Smith initially transferred back to St. George's last season after Vasco disbanded but then opted to remain a spectator.

Of his initial training sessions with Village, Smith said: "I've adjusted quite easily. It's a different approach. Village's style is different from the previous clubs I've played for - they all had a more direct approach, all-out attack.

"But Village are patient, and I'm still adapting."