Bedford Town land former Scottish international striker Craig Mackail-Smith

What began as a tricky week for Bedford Town Football Club, has ended on a high as the club have announced the signing of former Scottish international striker, Craig Mackail-Smith.

The 36-year old was released from Championship side Wycombe Wanderers in the summer and has a prolific scoring record across the Football League, including 80 goals in 185 appearances for Peterborough United.

He has spent the last two seasons on loan at Notts County and Stevenage, but has now joined the Eagles in another superb signing for the 8th tier club.

Mackail-Smith was once considered a huge prospect, making his Scotland debut in a friendly against Brazil in 2011 before scoring the winner in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein a year later.

That was his only goal at international level in seven caps, but Mackail-Smith continued to brighten the Football League, securing a £3.25m move to Brighton.

Although he has travelled around a bit since his prime, the move will be considered another coup for Bedford Town in their quest for promotion from the 1st Division of the Southern League Central.

The signing comes amid criticism from fans after another managerial casualty in the week; Mark Ducket announcing his resignation after just two games of the new season.

Read: Bedford Town FC manager “shock resignation” two games into new season

Bedford Town have yet to announce a new manager, but whoever does come in will have a plethora of attacking options to choose from, all of whom have experience in the big time.

The Eagles next game is on Tuesday night against Berkhamsted at The Eyrie, where Mackail-Smith could make his debut.

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