Crawley Town sign Barnsley defender George Smith

He will fill the gap left by Mitch Hancox and Christian Scales who returned to their parent clubs Birmingham City and Crystal Palace this week following the completion of loans.

The 19-year-old has joined Reds on a 28-day loan and is in the squad for this afternoon’s home game against Cambridge United.

George played more than 100 games for Barnsley’s under-18 and under-21 teams before earning his first professional contract in the summer of 2014.

He has gone on to make 42 first-team appearances for the club, including 19 this season.

Manager Mark Yates said: “It has been a very busy few days trying to add to the squad and we’re delighted to have got George.

“He’s highly regarded by (Barnsley manager) Lee Johnson and, having spoken to him, I know he’s looking forward to coming down here and getting some games under his belt.

“Hopefully it’s an arrangement that can benefit both parties and I’d like to thank Lee at Barnsley for letting George come to us.”

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