Super-sub Matt under starter’s orders

Matt Smith celebrates

PRIMED for his first Athletic start in two months and fitter and more confident than ever, Matt Smith is determined to shake off his super-sub tag.

Three goals have been scored by the tall striker this season. Two were headers, in losing causes at Chesterfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and more recently in the Bournemouth debacle.

The other was a memorable last-gasp equaliser with his right foot at Sheffield United which earned Athletic a point.

Despite those goals and his success in ruffling defensive feathers off the bench, the 23-year-old has yet to force his way into manager Paul Dickov's plans in terms of a strike role from the start. It is a situation Smith is determined to change.

"I want to be a starter," said the forward, who signed for Athletic at the beginning of last season from Solihull Moors. "I don't want to make a career out of being an impact player.

"But that is up to me to make enough of an impression to get into the starting 11. I am only one-and-a-half seasons into professional football. It has been a bedding-in period, but I am looking to push on now."

With Jose Baxter suspended and Robbie Simpson struggling with a groin injury, it appears certain that Smith will get his wish of playing from the off alongside Matt Derbyshire in tomorrow's home clash with Shrewsbury.

"The manager chooses his team and I fully respect whatever team he picks," added Smith. I want to be in that first XI and the only thing I can do is my best when I am given the nod.

"Fingers crossed, I do get in the XI (tomorrow). Then it is up to me to keep that shirt.”

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