RETURNING Brad Smith is a “welcome addition to the squad”, says Cherries boss Eddie Howe.

The Australian defender has rejoined training with the club following a successful loan spell with Seattle Sounders, where he lifted last year’s MLS Cup.

Smith, 25, joined Cherries from Liverpool for around £3million in 2016, but has featured just 11 times for the club.

His last outing for Cherries came against Wigan Athletic in January 2018, where he was substituted at half-time in a 2-2 draw.

Left-back Smith departed to join Seattle in August 2018, but has now returned to Dorset and could feature for Howe’s men against Luton Town in the FA Cup at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (5.31pm).

“He’s back,” Howe told the Daily Echo.

“He’s back with us. He’s training with us, so he’s a welcome addition to the squad.”

Asked if Smith is set to be a part of his plans for the rest of the season, Howe added: “We’ll wait and see how January unfolds.

“We’ll wait and see the strength of the squad and try and make the best decision for him and for us.”