ANOTHER player has opted to return to the Lakesiders after a spell in New Zealand.

Hot on the heels of the return of Rob Pearson, Bala Town are delighted to announce that Kieran Smith has also put pen to paper with the club.

Smith joined Pearson out in New Zealand over the summer and signed for Tasman United, taking the opportunity to play football down under and do some travelling.

During his time with the club, Smith scored twice in seven appearances.

He will be flying back to the UK this week to return to the Lakesiders for his second spell.

He previously made more than 120 appearances for Bala, scoring 29 goals, including the winning goal against The New Saints in last season's Welsh Cup final.

Manager Colin Caton told the Bala website: "Like the Rob Pearson situation, Kieran messaged me to say he was coming home from New Zealand early.

"I was devastated to lose Kieran in pre-season, but his message saying he was coming home early was great news.

"Kieran will give us much needed firepower and competition for places, with us only having three forwards in the form of Mike Hayes, Les Davies and Ian Sheridan.

"His energy and work rate will give us a lot of options."

Smith will wear the number 28 shirt for the Lakesiders.