With a summer ankle injury now behind him and manager Sammy Lee departed after a static start to the season, Bolton striker Johann Smith is making the best of a month-long loan to English League Two side Darlington.

The young Bolton forward spent the tail end of last season on loan with League One outfit Carlisle United, after making his first team debut in a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Manchester United under the tutelage of current Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce.

"I think this will help me, especially coming off my injury," Smith declared to American Soccer Daily. "I've played four or so reserve team games, and a couple clubs have come in for me."

"Some were turned down, then I talked to staff about the situation. They explained to me that going on loan would be better than playing reserve team football, regardless of the fact its League Two."

"I'm sort of past that point in my career. Now, I have to be looking to get valuable minutes in a professional environment."

With the loan spell already in motion, the US Under-20 international is pleased with how the experience is manifesting.

"So far, it's working out well," he reported. "I played my first game and we won 4-0 and I did well, so hopefully that will continue."

Nevertheless, with Sammy Lee - a manager known for a willingness to use his young players - sacked after a poor run of form, Smith has got his work cut out for him to impress a new boss yet to be determined, with candidates named ranging from former Liverpool tactician Graeme Souness to Leicester City boss Gary Megson.

"He did have faith in some of the younger players coming through," Smith described of Lee. "But there's nothing I can do about his departure. A new manager will come in and I have to show him that I deserve a place in his team."

"Him leaving has shaken things up once again in terms of players not knowing where they stand, and different systems, and so on, but I need to adjust in order to play."

The next chance to gain experience will come fast as Darlington host Peterborough on Saturday, a game in which Smith will be hoping to stand out and earn valuable minutes.