Town defender Tommy Smith looks certain to switch roles if he doesn't sit out tonight’s Capital One Cup clash at Stevenage altogether.

With boss Mick McCarthy ruling out both Aaron Cresswell and Tyrone Mings for the left-back slot, as well as confirming that new signing Christophe Berra will make his debut, Smith could be asked to fill in on the left side of the back four.

He is no stranger to the role and said: “I’ve played there quite a bit and if the gaffer wants me to play there I’ll play there, no problem, but in an ideal world I’d stay in the centre and keep the partnership going with Chambo, which has been going well.”

Cresswell missed the opening-day league defeat at Reading and stand-in Mings picked up a first-half knee injury that McCarthy expects to keep him on the sidelines for about a fortnight.

McCarthy is understandably keen to take a look at Scotland international Berra, a player for whom he once paid £2 million to sign for Wolves from Hearts.

Smith added: “Tyrone did well at Reading. He was solid and we knew he would be. He’s a good player and he’s done well in pre-season so there was no reason why he wouldn’t come in and do a good job.

“He’s a good player anyway so he didn’t need too much help from me but I tried to give him little tips here and there. Overall he did well and if he can carry on to do that, then it’s happy days.

“Christophe has settled in really well. He’s a really nice guy and he provides stiff competition. But you need that and it’s healthy for the club to have that because it pushes the players who are in the side to perform even better.

“But every professional footballer will tell you that they want to play in every game — they would rather be playing in matches than training — so if I’m picked to play that will be great.”

Photo: Action Images

ArnieMsBigToe added 08:57 - Aug 6 Would still be a good back line: Smith Berra, Chambers & Veseli!!
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gazzmac4 added 09:27 - Aug 6 I thought that Tommy and Chambo were again excellent at Reading on Saturday so it would of course be a shame to seperate them tonight. However, if we are without Cressy and Mings then it certainly makes sense to switch a left footed CB in good form to LB for the odd game. Berra is more than capable of filling in for Smith as we know. Hopefully Cressy can get back to fitness and be back ASAP because although Mings was solid at the weekend, i think we miss Cressy's overlaps and his final ball from set pieces and wide areas! COYB's!

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fussysnake added 10:09 - Aug 6 Lets see this Veseli fella!!
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Garv added 11:11 - Aug 6 Can't Berra go to left back?
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Beattiesballbag added 12:43 - Aug 6 ArnieMsBigToe added 08:57 - Aug 6 Would still be a good back line: Smith Berra, Chambers & Veseli!! I think Tommy Smith said he would play left full back if he had to, I don't think he will be quite so comfortable on the Right!
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footyblue added 15:38 - Aug 6 I would rather Smith and Chambers stay in the middle and Play October he played in the friendlies and scored so there must be something about him.
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