The Portland Timbers are taking a look at another outside defender this week.

Steven Smith, a left back from Scotland, trained with the team Monday.

The revolving door of trialists sends a clear message that head coach John Spencer and general manager Gavin Wilkinson aren't satisfied with the performances of roster players Lovel Palmer, (who was benched in favor of Steve Purdy at right back for the game against Los Angeles); Rodney Wallace (who suffered a high ankle sprain in the game against Chivas Aprll 7 and is expected to miss up to four weeks) and Mike Chabala, who replaced Wallace.

Chabala, who started 13 games in 2011 but was beaten out by Wallace at left back, said he's not concerned about the trialists, knowing it's part of the world of sports.

"There's always going to be guys who are brought in. Whether or not that reflects confidence from the coaching staff to the players, that's their decision," Chabala said. "Our record is not where we want it to be and if there are positions that need to be (improved) or if they need to look at guys, that's what they have to do."

Smith started his professional career with Rangers of the Scottish Premier League and made 56 appearances with the team. He was a teammate of current Timbers forward Kris Boyd from 2006 to 2010. Smith had signed with Preston North End, a team competing in England's League One, a division two levels below the English Premier League, in August 2011. The contract was terminated in April.

Smith joins Austrian right back Andreas Dober, who joined the team April 13 for a trial. Brett Evans, a right back from South Africa, ended a week-long trial April 13.

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