TWELVE months ago Cardiff City boss Dave Jones talked about the Bluebirds' fantastic crop of young players, picking out Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter and Matt Smith as the teens poised to set the Championship alight.

Gunter, now a full international, did make the grade and is now a Premiership player with Spurs.

Ramsey and Ledley, lynchpins for Cardiff - just as Jones predicted - will today be admiring their suits ready for an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley tomorrow.

However, Smith, a Wales U19 cap, has seen his dream of a breakthrough at Ninian Park shattered and now he's targeting a full-time contract with his local club, Newport County.

Unfortunately this is an all too familiar tale of a serious injury - in this case a cruciate ligament tear - smashing a talented young players career like a wreaking ball.

Smith explained: "A year ago I was on a par with Chris Gunter, now he's playing in the Premier League.

"Obviously I would love to be involved in the semi-final at Wembley, but Dave Jones called me into his office out of the blue.

"I thought he was going to want to talk about my comeback from injury, he gave me a professional contract when I got injured so I know he rated me. I was shattered when he said they were letting me go.

"I see some of the boys I came through the ranks with doing so well and I wish it was me, I wish that I had never got the injury.

"But these things happen in football, now I just want to play games and get to as high a level as I possibly can."

Smith revealed he has always had an affinity with Newport County.

"I am a local boy, I have always supported Manchester United, but at the same time I follow Newport County," he said.

"I am a Bettws boy, I went to Bettws High School and a lot of my mates are die hard County fans, they travel home and away and I think they're delighted I have joined Newport."

Smith, 20, signed on loan until the end of the season, has hinted he might stay on at Spytty Park.

"Like I say, I want to play as high as I can and if a football league club came in for me that would be fantastic," he said.

"But I see Newport as a progressive club, they're moving in the right direction and if we manage to get promoted, maybe I could stay here next season as the club would go full-time."

Smith describes himself as an attacking left back, but one gets the impression he's a frustrated winger.

"My best position now is as an attacking full-back, I have got used to playing there and I have improved my defensive game a lot," he said.

"But I always used to play as a left-winger, I like getting forward and crossing.

"To be honest I don't mind where I play, I've come to Newport because the rough and tumble of the Conference South is much better for my development than reserve football at Cardiff.

"I will be playing with guys like Jason Bowen, his skills in training are unbelievable and I can't wait to help the club get promoted.

"I know the history of Newport County and we belong higher than the Conference South."

The Exiles will be without midfielder Nathan Davies today as he recovers from a hamstring strain.

Andy Gurney will deputise for Davies ahead of a one-game suspension - in effect for Wednesday's clash with Havant and Waterlooville.

Goalkeeper Scott James is suspended today, but Glyn Thompson and Tony Pennock are both fit.