The 26-year-old can also play in a deeper midfield role and his career in England with clubs like Sheffield United, Swindon and most recently at Bristol City has seen him operate as far back as the left side of defence.

It’s his goal threat in particular, though, that has caught boss Craig Brewster’s eye and he is hopeful Smith’s initial three-month deal will lead to a longer stay at Tannadice.

“Grant has impressed me so far. He’s strong, experienced and can score goals from midfield. If he does that for us, we’ll talk about extending the contract,” said Craig.

Smith was available because he negotiated his release from Bristol just before the transfer window closed last month and Craig will continue to look at other free agents between now and the window re-opening in January.

With his youth and reserve teams showing big improvements this term, in the coming months he is hopeful of being able to strengthen the first team from within the club.

He said, “The players in the youths and the reserves know they will get a chance if they are doing the business — David Goodwillie is still eligible at youth level and he’s been involved in the first team, so it shows others the opportunity is there.

“I’m very happy with the way the youth team has been progressing. When we arrived they were bottom of the league and now they are at the top and unbeaten. That says everything about the job Stevie Campbell is doing with the kids.”

Meanwhile, the manager was also set to feature this afternoon, as was Steven Robb, who played for just under an hour against Motherwell at the weekend, but is still needing to build up his match fitness.