Scottish clubs could miss out on signing another player produced by Cove Rangers, the Highland League champions.

Scottish clubs could miss out on signing another player produced by Cove Rangers, the Highland League champions.

Midfielder David Smith has been invited to have trials with English Championship side Sheffield United just nine months after defender Paul Coutts joined Peterbourgh United.

Coutts has already played almost 30 games for Darren Ferguson's side and has been called up by Billy Stark, the Scotland under-21 manager.

Smith has just turned 22 and his progress has been monitored by a number of clubs on both sides of the border with Sheffield United stealing a march on their rivals by inviting the law student from Aberdeen down to Bramall Lane this week so that manager Kevin Blackwell can see him in action.

Smith said: "I am very keen to play full-time football. I have watched the progress of Paul Coutts since he left Cove Rangers and it has inspired me, especially when he got into the under-21 squad. The chance to go on trial at Sheffield United has come at the right time for me as I will complete my university course shortly."

Smith only signed for Cove a year ago after a shoulder injury kept him out of the game after playing for Elgin and Peterhead as a youngster. He said: "Being out injured for a lengthy period allowed me to concentrate on my studies and as a result I am looking to graduate with an honours degree in law in the summer.

"It also gave me an opportunity to assess and work on my fitness levels under the guidance of the Scottish Institute of Sport and this made a huge difference to me. I am dedicated to that programme and in addition to training with Cove twice a week, I do daily fitness sessions on my own.

I only signed for Cove Rangers last March but I remember everyone at the club being delighted for Paul when negotiations started with Peterborough United."

Richard Huxford, the former Dunfermline Athletic player, was a key player in Smith's return to fitness when he was at the SIS and he believes the player has a bright future in the game.

Huxford said, "David has developed into an excellent player and athlete. The fitness programme we tailored for him has provided the speed, strength, power and endurance to go with his undoubted skill and technical ability. At just more than six feet tall, he has a superb frame to develop further.

"David already is a model professional in how he looks after himself. I am not surprised that leading clubs that could develop him into a top-class player are looking at him closely. A lad with his attitude and desire deserves to do well."