SWINDON Town youngsters Tom Smith and Jake Evans have joined League of Ireland side Waterford on loan, it was confirmed tonight.

As reported this morning by the Adver, the duo have joined on a temporary basis until June, when both see their contracts with Town come to an end.

Both Smith, 18, and Evans, 18, have been on trial with the League of Ireland First Division club, who Swindon chairman Lee Power acquired last November.

Evans, who has been with Town's academy since the age of eight, has played a number of pre-season games with The Blues, both in his more natural role of central midfield and at right-back, where he played during a Town development game, which was watched by Waterford director of football Pat Fenlon.

“He (Evans) has been over to Ireland and I believe he has played for Waterford and enjoyed the experience,” said Swindon head coach Luke Williams, following the first sign of a player link between the Power’s two clubs.

“We are in regular contact with him to make sure he is enjoying himself there and earning and getting the experience he needs.”

Smith, who has made 12 senior appearances for Swindon this season, is a late addition to the Irish side, having first appeared for them on Friday in their final pre-season friendly away to Limerick.

Both players are expected to be named in the matchday squad for Waterford's opening game of the season away at Athlone Town on Friday night.

The pair take the number of players acquired by Power and Fenlon during the window, which closes at 11pm tonight, to 23, with MK Dons goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin, Chesterfield winger Derek Daly and central defender Kenny Browne all signing on the final day of the window.