Cambridge United midfielder Korey Smith happy to be ‘unsung’ hero at the Cledara Abbey Stadium following arrival from Derby County

Cambridge United midfielder Korey Smith is well aware that he may not make many headlines this season – but that suits him just fine.

The 33-year-old, who has four promotions on his CV, arrived at the Cledara Abbey Stadium earlier this summer having scored just 12 goals across more than 500 appearances in the Football League.

Instead, Smith’s strengths lie in a deeper midfield role, breaking up promising situations for the opposition and keeping the play ticking over when his side has possession of the ball.

It means that his attack-minded team-mates will often grab the limelight, yet Smith is more than content with his role within the team.

“I’m a player that gives 100 per cent. I’ll work hard, I’ll get my foot into tackles and I’ll try to get on the ball as much as I can,” he said.

“I feel like my game has always been to break-up play, get on the ball and give it to the other players to get all the credit! In my position you don’t get the credit because I like to be the guy that looks after everyone and likes to see them shine.

“That’s what I enjoy, I love seeing those attacking players getting on (the ball) and doing stuff. I’ll try to do the unsung work.”

And the Hatfield-born player is not intending to limit his acts of selflessness to matters on the pitch.

With a wealth of experience under his belt from spells at the likes of Norwich City, Bristol City and Derby County, Smith is keen to pass on his knowledge – particularly to the younger members of the group.

“I have to be like that – there’s expectations on myself to do that,” he added.

“As someone that’s been playing a long time, I’ve played a lot of games and been involved in quite a lot of promotions.

“For me, to not try and give my experiences to the younger players, what’s the point? What’s the point in football? It’s all about enjoying it and the next generation.

“I’m always learning as well, but I feel like if there’s things I can help with, I’ll always do that.

“It’s the job of the experienced lads to maintain standards and push them a little bit because with young players now, it can be quite nice playing in the Under-23s. But coming into men’s football, it's a different game and you have to get that balance right between pushing them so they can become the best they can be.”

Smith is one of eight new additions at the club so far this summer – and arguably the biggest coup of that crop.

He made 37 appearances in all competitions last term for a Derby side that secured promotion back to the EFL Championship, with some surprised that he was not retained by the Rams for another crack at life in English football’s second tier.

A number of clubs expressed an interest following his release at the end of the campaign, but a conversation with U’s head coach Garry Monk won Smith over.

“I spoke to the gaffer at the training ground and it felt like somewhere I’d enjoy coming day to day. They’ve done a great job building this place,” he said.

“And with the way that the gaffer is looking to play, he has faith in my ability and he’s put trust in me as well.

“I felt wanted and that’s a big thing. There was no messing around with contracts and the negotiations – they wanted to get it done.

“When you feel wanted, you have good conversations and you feel like you’ll enjoy the environment, it steers you in that direction. I feel like I’ve made a great decision.”

Having only joined the club in mid-July, Smith has found himself behind many of his team-mates in terms of fitness levels heading into the new season.

He has featured just once – for 45 minutes against a West Bromwich Albion XI – in a Cambridge shirt, yet he feels ready to play for as long as required during Saturday’s Sky Bet League One opener at Stockport County.

He said: “I’ve been trying to get up to speed as much as I can. I’m probably a few weeks behind the boys, but I’ve been getting as much as I can in and then I got the 45 minutes last week.

“I’ve been pushing myself and getting as much out of my legs as I can.

“I’ll give it my all (on Saturday) for as long as I can – whether that’s 90 (minutes), whether I start or don’t start.”