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Learning curve
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date online: 01 March 2013
MATT Smith still has plenty of improving to do says Athletic boss Tony Philliskirk.
And crucially, he believes the striker has the right attitude to get the best out of himself.
Athletic’s FA Cup talisman was on the bench at Goodison Park for this week’s fifth-round replay.
It was a selection decision Philliskirk was asked about several times after the game - especially as Smith scored.
The 23 year old has now taken four goals against Premier League opponents - more than established internationals Andy Carroll, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Gervinho and Emmanuel Adebayor.
If he can successfully hone some of his rougher edges, Philliskirk believes a player who has only 18 months of experience playing in the senior professional game can go on to big things.
“Matt deserves the attention,” Philliskirk said, after a period in which almost every national newspaper has focused in on the strapping forward.
“His profile has been hugely enhanced because of what he has done in the FA Cup and I think he is really improving as a player.
“Every interview I did straight after Everton asked me the same question first up: ‘Why didn’t you play Matt Smith?
“We make decisions we believe are right for the team at the time. Matt’s next stage of his development is to become a regular and to perform consistently week-in, week-out.
“He has only been in the game 18 months. He has so much to learn.
“I don’t want to throw him in at the deep end under a weight of expectation..
“Wherever his future takes him, whether it is with Oldham Athletic or elsewhere, I am sure he will do well.”
Phillikirk’s focus is now determinedly on the league.
“We want to play good football in style and we want to entertain.
“But if you turned round now and offered me five 1-0 wins and a 0-0 draw between now and the end of the season, I would snap your hand off. I honestly would.”
Comments
Also smiths upturn in fortunes has clearly come from having a partner running off him. something we never had with baxter dropping off into midfield.
...before the FA Cup run, I wouldn't have said Matt was certain to get another contract. His Cup exploits have earned him one for sure... I trust his intelligence to see Latics gave him his chance and so should reward us with some loyalty... however, TP is right... he's some way off a striker who can propel us up the league. A better goals to game ratio is needed before that is a certainty.
Scott, have you seen how poor Stuart Beavon has been at PNE this season...! Food for thought!
DARTH I think you have hit the nail on the head! Now his flicks and layoffs are beginning to find his man more often than not or at least give his strike partner a reasonable chance. Nice to see a manager prepared to play a system that favours the players at his disposal
Again I come back to how I spent all last season and half of this pleading for MS to be given a decent run. I'd assumed it was fitness reasons that meant he didn't start at Everton. Dismayed to read that wasn't the case.We might have won if he had. He must start on Saturday.
Have Your Say
thats fair enough tony, but iwelumo has to produce to keep him out of the team surely, which in my opinion he is yet to do. we are winning a few at the moment, but if the results dry up it wont be long before big chris cops the flack from the boo boys. especially with their new hero on the bench.
By DARTH @ 01/03/2013 13:44:09