Midfielder Jay Smith revealed today he had moved to Third Division Southend United to keep his Premiership dream alive.
The Aston Villa youngster has joined Blues on loan for three months, but said he still hadn't given up all hope of making the grade with the Midlands giants.
"I'm joining Southend to get first-team experience," said 20-year-old Smith, who has been on trial at Roots Hall for the last few weeks.
"All I have played at Villa is youth and reserve team football and it would be great to actually play in the Football League.
"And I'm hoping that a good three months at Roots Hall could help me make the grade back at Villa Park."
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Published Tuesday August 20, 2002
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