I’m fit and raring to go, says Smith

MATT SMITH: in the best shape of his life.

TARGET man Matt Smith has set his sights on forcing his way into the first team reckoning following a morale-boosting brace for the reserves.

Lee Duxbury’s side earned a 3-2 win at Burnley earlier in the week, with Smith at the double and Reuben Reid gaining a vital 60 minutes of match practice after four months on the sidelines.

With a jam-packed npower League One schedule over the next six weeks, Smith hopes he can play his part in guiding Athletic away from relegation danger — starting with the visit of Tranmere tomorrow.

He said: “It felt good to improve my fitness levels by playing 90 minutes for the reserves, and it was a boost to the confidence to score two goals in the process.

“My first-team opportunities have been limited of late and when I have been given a chance I have not been pleased with my contribution.

“It is down to me to do better if and when the manager puts me on the pitch.

“I was getting into the right areas, but not putting the ball in the back of the net.

“I started well in pre-season and featured in the first couple of games when the competitive action got under way, but the manager brought in some experienced forwards like Shefki Kuqi and Robbie Simpson, who have been terrific.

“Inevitably, I have had to bide my time but even when I have been out of the side, I have still managed to pick up useful advice from my fellow strikers, which has helped a lot.

“The difference between my situation now and when I first arrived is that things are

starting to take shape with my fitness training.

“I have done a lot of weights and bulked up. This is the first time I have done full-time training — I have knuckled down and am in the best physical shape of my life.

“There are so many matches coming up in a short space of time.

“The manager will want to freshen things up at some point and I am hungry for match time.”

Smith admitted he and his team-mates have struggled to come to terms with just how poor the performance was in the 5-0 loss at MK Dons.

He added: “It was unacceptable. Even though you try to move on, it is hard not to dwell on it.

“Against Tranmere we have the chance to right some of the wrongs that were there for all to see.”