Front line challenge
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 15 March 2013
Smith and Eaves set to go head to head
MATT Smith could be back in Athletic’s line-up to face a former giant forward of the Boundary Park turf.
Smith, currently recovering from a knee injury, is out of contract this summer and has been linked to moves to Celtic, Stoke and Birmingham.
But he may next be able to feature for Oldham against Shrewsbury tomorrow week — which would put him in direct competition with on-loan Shrews forward Tom Eaves, a player Tony Philliskirk moulded in the Boundary Park academy prior to his move to Bolton two and a half years ago.
Philliskirk allowed himself a wry smile at the irony of his former charge wreaking damage on Athletic’s survival hopes.
But the news Smith didn’t suffer a serious injury at Tranmere is being counted as a blessing.
“The good news is there’s no ligament damage or microfracture,” said Philliskirk. “It is severe bone bruising. Best case, he is available for Shrewsbury, but it’s a day-to-day thing.”
Assistant Paul Gerrard says while Eddie Howe’s big-budget side will be respected, it won’t be feared.
Gerrard said: “We have concentrated on how we want to play, rather than worrying too much about the opposition. We just get on with it. We will be doing everything we can to get the three points.”
