Matt remains committed to Latics’ cause

HEAD MASTER: Matt Smith displays the aerial power that could prove vital to Athletic during the run-in.

Summer switch can wait as striker targets survival
MATT Smith says he has made no decision where he will play next season.

The imposing striker has been in and out of the Oldham starting line-up this season — but his scoring exploits against Premier League opponents have made him one of the hottest properties in the lower divisions.

Half of the 23 year old's eight goals have been scored in televised games against Liverpool and Everton in the FA Cup.

Like several other Latics players, Smith is out of contract in the summer. With clubs like Celtic and Stoke said to be interested, many expect him to move up.

But for now, the international business graduate is keen to do his bit to prevent Athletic being relegated.

"I haven't made any choices," said Smith, brought to Boundary park by Paul Dickov two years ago.

"The focus is on helping the club as best I can to stay in this division. Everyone is fully united as a group.

“We have still to face Bury, Preston, Carlisle and Shrewsbury — all teams in and around us. We want to get clear before that final week.”

Smith scored in Tuesday's reserve team draw with Walsall as manager Lee Johnson tried to get him fully firing after a minor injury.

"With three-and-a-half weeks left of the season, I want to be able to help out as much as I possibly can. The manager has brought in some very good ideas. He is very enthusiastic and the lads have all taken to him well. He is getting his ideas across and they are having an impact.”