Damien Duff targets permanent signing of Derry City striker Matty Smith

Smith became one of Ruaidhri Higgins' marquee signings when he joined on a two-year contract last February having finished the 2021 season as St Pat's top scorer with 13 goals and an FAI Cup winners' medal.

The 25 year-old striker turned down several offers in favour of a move to Brandywell but after making 19 appearances and scoring three goals, Higgins agreed to allow him to leave for Tolka Park on a season long loan deal completed on deadline day.

He was controversially sent off in the first leg of Derry's Europa Conference League qualifier against Riga at Brandywell and played his final game for the Candystripes against Finn Harps in Ballybofey on July 17th.

Higgins made it clear he was surplus to requirements with the arrivals of Cian Kavanagh and Declan Glass in the same window and he made a hastily arranged switch to Shelbourne.

Smith made an early impression for Duff's side when coming off the bench on his debut to provide an assist in Shels' 3-0 FAI Cup win over Bray.

Former Chelsea and Blackburn star Duff has been delighted with Smith since his arrival and viewed the player as a pivotal member of his squad.

Following his team's heavy defeat in the FAI Cup Final to champions Derry - a game Smith was ineligible for - Duff revealed his intentions to negotiate a permanent deal for the player as he looks to build on an impressive first season in the top flight.

"I've been actively trying to get that done," he admitted. "They (Derry) weren't going to do business this week but Mattie has been absolutely massive for us.

"He's to us what Michael Duffy or McEleney is to them. He's a top player in the league. He's fitted in so well and the boys love him. He loves it here so hopefully we can get that done in the next few days."