Smalley made of right stuff

DIRECT APPROACH . . . Deane Smalley loves nothing more than running at defenders.

DEANE Smalley knows he cannot allow his performances to dip if he is to hold on to his place in Athletic’s starting line-up.

The 20-year-old from Moston, who has only recently re-established himself in the team, acknowledges there is considerable competition for a place on the right side of midfield.

In the last couple of months, Athletic have also played Andy Liddell, Kieran Lee and Neal Eardley in the position Smalley has held for the last five matches.

Smalley, a former pupil at Our Lady’s, Royton, said: “I feel as though I have to improve every game or else I will be kicked out of the team.

“There are two or three others battling for a place on the right of midfield so I know I have to work harder than the others to keep hold of it.

“Andy Liddell is unfortunate at the moment as he has scored eight goals yet cannot get in the side, while Kieran and Neal have also played in that position.

“There is certainly healthy competition in that area which can only benefit the team.”

Smalley, who last season made 25 starts and a further 20 substitute appearances, admitted it has taken him time to regain his match sharpness.

He has worked hard on the training ground and in the gym, but admits there is no substitute for playing.

Smalley said: “I would spend hours on the treadmill and on the bike in the gym, but it only gives you a certain amount of fitness and playing games is completely different.

“In my first game against Hartlepool I tired in the second half, but since then I have felt my match fitness improving with every game.

“And it was great to score against Hartlepool in my first game back, which gave me a major confidence boost.”

Smalley, who still believes League One’s second automatic promotion place is up for grabs, is a versatile player as he can also operate as a central striker.

As for his favoured position in the side, Smalley said: “I prefer to play on the right because I like running at defenders.

“Tony Philliskirk played me as a striker in the youth team and I scored quite a lot of goals.

“I have also played as a striker in the first team, but I am not a proven goal scorer and regard playing on the right of midfield as my preferred role in the team.”