Bristol Rovers bring in defender Michael Smith

Michael Smith joins Rovers from Northern Ireland club Ballymena United

Bristol Rovers have signed defender Michael Smith on a two-year contract.

The 22-year-old arrives at the Memorial Stadium from Northern Irish Premiership side Ballymena United, where he has played over 100 games.

He had attracted interest from a number of other clubs, including SPL side Kilmarnock.

Smith, who has been capped for Northern Ireland at youth level, becomes Rovers boss Paul Buckle's eighth signing of the summer.

Smith, who previously played for Ballyclare Comrades, had also been attracting attention from Irish Premiership champions Linfield.