Salford Reds have snapped up St Helens scrum-half Matty Smith for 2010.

The 22-year-old, who spent this season on loan at Celtic Crusaders, is moving to the Reds in a similar arrangement and is expected to be a straight replacement for the Warrington Wolves-bound Richie Myler.

Smith, who made his engage Super League debut as a teenager for St Helens in 2006, had endured a difficult season with the struggling Bridgend club and missed 12 matches with ankle and elbow injuries.

Salford director of football Steve Simms said: “Matty is one of the best up-and-coming half-backs in the country and he was looking to move back up this way so we have grabbed the opportunity.

“It’s a 12 month loan-deal and after that we’ll see what happens. We look forward to him joining us for pre-season training.”

Smith, a former Everton FC junior, said: “I’m absolutely made up to sign with the Reds.

“I know Willie Talau and Dean McGilvray obviously because of their St Helens connections and they have said really good things about the place.

“I’ve had a good time at Celtic and enjoyed it a lot but it’s been difficult living away from home so it will be good to be playing back up north again.”

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