CHERRIES defender Brad Smith has joined MLS outfit Seattle Sounders on a season-long loan.

Smith will remain with Sounders until the end of July 2019, although there is a provision for Cherries to recall him in January.

The Australian international has made just five Premier League appearances since joining Cherries in July 2016, the most recent of which was 18 months ago.

The MLS regular season runs from March until October, with the play-offs taking place in November and December.

Predominantly a left-back, Smith, 24, joined Cherries from Liverpool for a fee in the region of £3million.

He made eight outings in his first season at Vitality Stadium, five of which were in the league.

In the last campaign, Smith spent three months out with a hip injury and was restricted to three appearances in cup competitions.

He subsequently missed out on Australia’s World Cup squad.