David Howell has bolstered his squad with the capture of young Millwall goal-keeper Laurie Walker and Welling United winger Dorian Smith.

Walker, who is 19 next month, has signed on a month's loan as has Smith, who attracted the attentions of Charlton Athletic during his time with Tooting & Mitcham United.

Both played in last night's Ryman League Cup victory at Harlow Town and Howell was encouraged with what he saw.

"I like Laurie, he did very well," said Howell. "He perhaps should have done better for the first goal but, all in all, he slipped into the team nicely.

"I gave Dorian an hour but you have to take into account that he has not played for nearly two months. He has been recovering from an ankle injury and has been used as a sub by Welling for the past six weeks. He is still short of match practice."

Walker was a regular in the MK Dons youth side before Kenny Jackett snapped him up for the Lions. He has featured for their reserves this season and will be hoping to impress in his time at Earlsmead. He comes on the recommendation of Richard Shaw and Scott Fitzgerald, the Lions reserve and youth team managers respectively, two men Howell knows from their days attaining their coaching badges.

"It is a case of trusting what they have said about Laurie," said the Borough boss.

Walker has been drafted in due to injuries to first choice goalkeeper, Andray Baptiste (knee) and Gary Ross (thigh), who is musing over a move to Uxbridge.

Smith, meanwhile, was signed by then Charlton Athletic manager Alan Pardew after impressing during a two week trial. The Addicks immediately loaned him back to Tooting before Pardew decided he was not good enough to cut it at Champioship level.

"He called me into a meeting and told me I was a good player, but I was not ready for that level of football," said

Smith. "I honestly didn't think there was anyone better there than me, but it was his decision."

Pardew certainly had a big change of heart after once describing Smith as a player blessed with great technical ability and 'as good a passer as anyone I've got here'.

He was released by Charlton in July last year and several league clubs were reported to be tracking him, including Brighton, Huddersfield Town, Leyton Orient, Peterborough United, Darlington and Chesterfield.

However, he decided to sign for Blue Square South promotion chasers Welling, but has found a regular starting place hard to come by. His last appearance for Welling was as a second half substitute in their 1-1 home draw with Team Bath on January 20.

"Dorian was signed by Charlton and had a bright future there, but it never worked out for him," added Howell. "He was being touted around and expectations were high, but nothing happened and that was a big blow for him. But he has tremendous ability."