New signing Smith backed to make international grade

David Cuffley New signing Steven Smith has the potential to become a regular Scotland international, according to Norwich City's new chief scout. Ewan Chester, whose move from Glasgow Rangers to Carrow Road preceded that of Smith by a few days, has monitored the defender's progress almost from the day he walked into Ibrox.

David Cuffley

New signing Steven Smith has the potential to become a regular Scotland international, according to Norwich City's new chief scout.

Ewan Chester, whose move from Glasgow Rangers to Carrow Road preceded that of Smith by a few days, has monitored the defender's progress almost from the day he walked into Ibrox.

The 24-year-old was capped by Scotland at under-21 and B international level before groin injuries interrupted his career, and Chester believes his international ambitions can be revived by joining the Canaries.

"Stevie's quality," said Chester. "He's been unfortunate. The injuries were when he was younger. I've known him since he was coming into the professional ranks full time from school.

"He's been unfortunate because we had a player, Sasa Papac, who's one of the most consistent players in the country - he didn't miss games and had a good level of consistency and Steven got a bit frustrated."

Smith made a total of 18 senior appearances for Rangers last season, including the Scottish League Cup final win over St Mirren, and has Champions League and UEFA Cup experience

"He's worked hard on the defensive side of the game. He originally was a midfield player, so his strength going forward speaks for itself - he has good delivery in the box, good pace and I actually think, like Stephen Hughes, if he does well, you would be looking for him to be involved in Scotland squads," said Chester.

"But the thing for him now would be to come in and get established and I think from there he could graduate to international level."