STRIKER Michael Smith believes his loan stay at Barnsley during the first half of the season helped to cure his homesickness.

Town's Geordie frontman headed out for his second spell away from the County Ground this season earlier this week, signing on a 93-day loan at League Two Portsmouth on Monday and making his debut 24 hours later in Pompey's 1-1 draw at Morecambe on Tuesday.

A yearning to return to his native north east led to the 24 year old being shipped out on loan to Yorkshire earlier this season rather than remaining part of Town's squad.

But, despite a largely uninspiring time there, Smith reckons his stint with the Tykes at least helped him to return his focus to his playing career.

More than a few eyebrows were raised when Smith headed south rather than north on transfer deadline day but Smith told the Portsmouth News: "The loan move at Barnsley, in football terms, wasn’t the best.

"But the one thing to come out of it was being back home wasn’t the be all and end all.

"I have to put my football first now. I need to kick on.

"I’ve got family down this way (on the south coast). They’re from Chichester and Selsey Bill. I know that area reasonably well. So I know about the club and I’m glad to be here.

"With hindsight I would have done some things differently.

‘That’s life and football. I’m still young, just 24, so I can use it as experience.''

Smith started against Morecambe having been pursued by Pompey boss Paul Cook who was a known admirer of the 6ft 4in frontman.

Smith added: "I’m at the biggest club in the league by far. You can see that by the fanbase and history.

"There’s more than enough to get out of this league.

"I’ve had a manager chase me and he definitely rates us. Hopefully I can prove him right.''