The 23-year-old, known as Parra, is a former team-mate of Juan Ugarte, who left in the summer to join Crewe.

Parra came through the same Antiguoko youth system that has also produced the likes of Everton's Mikel Arteta, who is good friends with Parra.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso and Athletico Bilbao starlet Andoni Iraola are two other famous graduates.

Smith wants a defender and a striker to fill his 20-man roster before the season gets underway next Saturday with a home match against Boston.

Parra could fit the bill at the back, but Smith will not be able to cast his eye over Wales Under-21 striker Dylan Hughes.

The Canadian-born player, whose grandparents are from Bethesda, picked up an injury this week, ruling him out of a proposed two-week trial.

Hughes has spent the last three seasons playing his football in Germany for first Kaiserslautern and then Regensburg.

He was recommended to the Dragons by former Racecourse manager Brian Flynn, who is now in charge of the Wales Under-21 side.

# posted by A P Webster : 10:48 am