Smith joins Southampton

Smith has had spells on trial with Spurs and Portsmouth this term

Brentford goalkeeper Paul Smith has completed his transfer to Southampton in a £500,000 deal.

The keeper, who also interested Spurs and Portsmouth, will operate as number two to Finnish keeper Antti Niemi.

Smith, 24, said: "This was really where I wanted to be. The sheer size of the club is impressive from the stadium to the first-class training ground.

"I was very impressed by what Southampton had to offer and by their goalkeeping coach David Coles.

"He had a lot of fresh and different ideas and he is a really nice man too.

"He worked us hard but I have no problem with that because I am here to learn and improve.

"There were a few teams watching me but it was not too unsettling even though I knew I wanted to play in the Premiership."

Smith joined Brentford in August 2000 from Carshalton and became the first choice goalkeeper midway through the 2001/02 season.

He has had spells training with Southampton, Tottenham and Portsmouth this season.