Michael Smith (footballer, born 1988)
Michael Smith is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Heart of Midlothian. Smith has received several honours, including the Ballymena United Player of the Year in 2009–10, and Bristol Rovers Player of the Year in 2012–13.
Career
Smith began playing football under the management of his father at Greenisland Boys Club and was picked up by his first senior club, Ballyclare Comrades in 2005. He signed for Ballymena United in January 2009, and made over 100 appearances for them before moving to England to join Bristol Rovers in 2011.Bristol Rovers
He made his debut on 6 August 2011, in a 3–2 victory away against AFC Wimbledon. He made his home debut on 13 August in a 1–2 defeat to local rivals Torquay United.Smith scored his first goal for Rovers in the League Cup against Ipswich Town, which Bristol Rovers lost 3–1.
Peterborough United
On 25 July 2014, Smith moved to Peterborough United, signing a three-year deal.Heart of Midlothian
On 30 June 2017, Michael Smith signed for Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. He signed a two-year deal and will wear the number 2 shirt, previously worn by Callum Paterson.International
Smith received his first call-up to the senior Northern Ireland squad on 16 March 2016 for friendlies against Wales and Slovenia. He scored his first international goal on 19 November 2019, in a 6–1 defeat against Germany.Career statistics
International goals
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| 1. | 19 November 2019 | Waldstadion, Frankfurt, Germany | 1–0 | 1–6 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification |
Honours
Individual- Ballyclare Comrades Young Player of the Year: 2006–07, 2007–08
- Ballymena United Player of the Year: 2009–10
- Ballymena United Players' Player of the Year: 2009–10
- Ballymena United Goal of the Season: 2009–10
- Bristol Rovers Player of the Year: 2012–13
- Bristol Rovers Player of the Year: 2013–14
- PFA Team of the Year: 2013–14 League Two