Steve Davis on the signing of Newcastle midfielder Liam Smith.

Steve Davis says he was keen to sign young midfielder Liam Smith after ‘liking what he saw’ during his loan spell with Blackpool. The Alex boss has signed the Newcastle United youngster on loan until January and although he is not as experienced as he would have preferred in terms of competitive game time, the Alex staff have kept a close eye on the South Shields-born youngster following his impressive displays for Newcastle’s Development Squad.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Liam came up in the conversations we had about midfield players and he was one on the list. He has been out at Blackpool for a couple of months and he did well there.

“We have seen him play for Newcastle’s Development Squad and he has impressed. We have liked what we have seen with him.

“He breaks up play and reads the game well. He is a left-footer and has a good range of passing. He can also deliver quality from free-kick and corners.

  Steve added: “He is highly thought of at Newcastle and he has just signed a new contract there. I’m sure he has a bright future and he will benefit from the experience of going out for six months.”