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.

Photo: Action Images

ChiefXL added 16:01 - Aug 10 Play Troy Brown then.
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BornBlue added 16:03 - Aug 10 He only played three games for goodness sake ... and that was back in June!! What sort of teenager can't handle that.
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Smithy added 16:07 - Aug 10 "Play Troy Brown then" - if you look at Keane selections he always plays one left and one right footed centre half. Therefore Troy is the natural replacement for McAuley, and probably groomed that way.
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devontractorboy added 16:29 - Aug 10 Oh for God sake Keane he's young fit and strong, he'll be fine. I'd a played all day every day at his age!!!
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jesus added 16:35 - Aug 10 ha ha you lot make me larf
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noitan added 16:41 - Aug 10 McAuley withdrawn from Ireland squad re; injury therefore if no Smith it would be Brown and Eastman, if Eastman eligible due to sending off at end of last season,.
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PimsOclock added 16:54 - Aug 10 I would assume this is another attempt to encourage the Evans/Clegg regime to get their chequebooks out while negotiations are going on with a Keane defensive target and not a genuine fear for Smiths' wellbeing!!
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Porridge123 added 16:56 - Aug 10 Rest him then...I would rather have a reserve team get a hammering tonight than on Saturday
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vulcher added 17:04 - Aug 10 keane, ever heard of such players as tony mowbray, mark venus and fabian wilnis, they were luvin' life playing in their late 30's, sure tommy smith can handle playing 3 games in a world cup without being tired a month later!
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Mark added 17:28 - Aug 10 Well, I guess he will get a rest when Delaney returns unless Smith does well enough to hold his place. I would have thought he would be all right at his age, but if problems do show later then surely we could rest him.
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Eireannach_gorm added 17:46 - Aug 10 With all the injuries during training, he's probably safer playing matches.
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_Mhs_ added 01:07 - Aug 11 i agree with porridge, no point playing our best players in carling cup matches, let's face it we won't get too far in the competition, round four at the most. Ipswich look strong and ive got high hopes for them this season, it would help to avoid injuries to main players.
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corshamblue added 08:08 - Aug 11 I'm with Pims - Smoke and Mirrors, more like a cry from RK for Cleggy to get his thumb out of his ar** and get the signings identified! C'mon Cleggy C'mon you Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuesssss
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