Boss Roy Keane says he is concerned central defender Tommy Smith might pick up injuries in the months to come having come straight into the side soon after his return from the World Cup. Smith started pre-season late after his exploits with New Zealand in South Africa, but was immediately needed for first team duty with Damien Delaney out with a thigh injury.
Keane says some of those involved in South Africa are still being rested by their clubs: "A lot of players who played in the World Cup are still getting extra time off and we’re already putting demands on Tommy and, to be fair, he’s responded well, as you’d expect from any good young player.
"We might get away with it, but Tommy might end up getting injuries in October or November on the heavy pitches because he hasn’t had a proper break. But we’re putting demands on him because Damien Delaney is injured.”
Smith himself was delighted to open his first team goals account in the 3-1 victory at Middlesbrough: "It was my first senior goal on Saturday and nobody is going to take it away from me, even though the shot took a deflection.
"We have expectations of finishing in the top six and there was no better place to start than with a 3-1 win at the title favourites. We have gone into the new season full of confidence and we know that we are a good team.”
Smith is expected to be one of the more senior players involved in this evening’s Carling Cup tie at Exeter City.