YOUNG Eastleigh defender Jack Smith has joined National League South outfit Bath City on loan.

The 18-year-old centre-back has yet to make a National League appearance for Chris Todd’s side, but has picked up plenty of loan experience further down the non-League pyramid with Fleet Town, Abington Town and Wantage.

More recently he has been playing for Brockenhurst in the Sydenhams Premier Division and was part of the Badgers side that reached the third qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Smith will help cover for an injury to Bath’s Sekani Simpson who has been battling hamstring problems.

Eastleigh boss Chris Todd said: "Jack's been playing Wessex level or thereabouts for a number of seasons now. It's about time he got the next step.

"He went on for about 35 minutes for Bath (against Margate)  the other night and put in a good shift."