ARSENAL loanee Matt Smith may return to the Emirates Stadium if Swindon Town is successful in signing a new midfielder before deadline day, John Sheridan has suggested.

The Town boss confirmed he is still trying to bring at least one more player in on a permanent deal before the February 1 deadline, though Sheridan would not say in which position that is.

Previously, Tyler Smith and Jonny Smith had been name-checked as the two loanees whose season-long loans may be cut short.

But in Town’s pre-match press conference on Thursday, Sheridan said Matt Smith’s future is now also under consideration.

He said: “We’re in the process of trying to bring someone in to strengthen us and make sure we’re as strong as we can be in all areas. Possibly a striker, possibly another position.

“I’m not a lover of having to leave two loans out on a match day. For me, that doesn’t sit comfortably, so that’s an area I want to try and address in the best way I can.

“So if it’s a striker or a midfielder, I’ll speak to Tyler Smith, I’ll speak to Jonny Smith or Matty Smith – it’s just a decision I’ve got to try and make.”

The 20-year-old was named on the bench in August 2020 as parent club Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 to lift the FA Cup at Wembley.

Less than six months later, and Smith could return to North London ready to start the next chapter of his career having done his reputation no harm following his sparkling loan spell at the County Ground.

Sheridan did not say his mind was made up on any of the Smiths, but stated he would not look back once the final call was made.

He said: “I just think we need another body to fill in and make us better.

“I’m not being disrespectful, but if I do have to send a loan player back, I’ll do that. It’s just purely to be beneficial to all parties.

“There were three Smiths who were here already when I came in.

“I’ve just got to make a decision, and I’ll try to make the best decision to help us get out of the situation we’re in. That’s a decision I’m going to have to make, and I’ll stick with that decision.

“It doesn’t matter who’s done well before. We are where we are, and we’re there for a reason.

“Whoever has played this season, has played a part in us being in the position we are.

“Whether it’s Tuesday or the first game of the season, we haven’t won enough games and we haven’t done as well as we should have.

“And we haven’t kept the ball out of the back of the net, which is our biggest downfall.”