IMPORT D-man Mark Smith believes the import limit could be a good thing for the development of British players in the English Premier League.

With the quota rising to five imports allowed in the league this season, Swindon Wildcats filled the hole with the Cardiff Devils veteran.

While many have turned their nose up at the proposal, stating the development of British talent as a reason why the move is a bad idea, Smith believes the opposite and by having more experienced players in the league it will benefit the young home-grown talent.

“I think for a little while it was up in the air and I heard mixed things and people saying that they were trying to stay at four imports,” he told the Advertiser.

“At the back of my mind I was hoping that it would go up to five to give me much more of an opportunity to play.

“When I heard that confirmation I was very happy about it and knew that it meant that I was one step closer to playing for Swindon.

“It’s obviously important for me to play my hockey over here now, I built my life over here so from my stand point the increase is a good thing.

“I can see the point of view people are coming from with their feelings that it is not a good thing and it may hinder the development of British players but I think it is a much better balance than they have in the Elite League.

“In the Elite League, it is almost impossible for a Brit to be in there and to have an effective role in the team because there are so many imports.

“In the EPL, there is still a lot of room for Brits to develop their games and having that one extra import means that guys are going to learn from those players.

“That is one of the biggest things for us imports to be doing - passing on our skills.

“The likes of myself and Max (Birbraer) have picked up skills over the years and have lots of experience that we can pass on and help the younger players become the best they can and make that jump to the Elite League that much smaller.”

Smith had a seven-year spell in Britain’s top division where he claimed a play-off victory with Coventry Blaze in 2015.

The 33-year-old is hoping that experience of playing at a high level will only benefit the Wildcats this term and would relish getting his hands on further silverware.

“I have seen quite a few things and I know what it is like to go to tough buildings and play against tough opposition,” he added.

“I was fortunate enough to win a trophy with Coventry a couple of years back so hopefully I can bring that kind of experience and help Swindon to win silverware.

“I have been around long enough so I think my experience will definitely help the team and the younger players.”