 He was loaned out to League One club Stockport County in November 2004, who were managed by his former Northern Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy; Preston manager Billy Davies said he hoped the move would boost Smith's confidence levels.However, he returned to Preston after playing just twice at Edgeley Park.He joined Scottish Premier League side Motherwell on loan in August 2005, and was described by manager Terry Butcher as "an enthusiastic type of player who always works his socks off".