Smith, Townsend & Carroll are all of similar age yet at times seem lost in no mans land, in terms of their career.
They aren't getting the right amount of football to progress and develop, and if Smith is truly thought to be good enough for our first team, sending him on loan to a championship club like Derby at the age of 22 doesn't seem right, so no offence to Sherwood but in this instance I think the move is all wrong and I doubt it will benefit the player.
These sort of season loan deals should happen between the ages of 18-21 and then they are either integrated to the first team or moved on, as I can't see how Smith can get to the age of possibly 23 with only 2 first team appearances and be considered to have a future with us.
Carroll at least is involved with the first team and if he carries on being picked for the bench, his chance will come so there is more hope.
But I'm surprised QPR never took smith on loan, seeing as Redknapp rates the lad, that would have been more exciting and worthwhile (even at championship level), plus if QPR where to get promoted with Smith as full back, it gives him and us more options.