Charlie Smyth is remaining with the New Orleans Saints after being added to the team’s practice squad.

The former Down goalkeeper was released from the active 53-man squad just a fortnight before the start of the new NFL season and following the arrival of free agent kicker Daniel Carlson last week. Carlson landed two field goals to help the Saints to a 27-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in their final pre-season game last Friday.

Smyth also featured in that game as well as in another pre-season encounter against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was expected to retain his spot after signing a three-year deal last December. After being waived, the Mayobridge man could have joined another NFL team, but has opted to remain on the Saints’ practice roster as International Player Pathway (IPP) players do not count towards the 16-player limit.

Smyth's decision comes after it was reported that Louth goalkeeper Tiernan Markey was among a number of young GAA players who made it to the last 20 of Ireland's Kicking King talent spotting programme which was organised over the summer months by Tadhg Leader, who helped Smyth to secure his NFL contract.

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