Alex Smithies major alert

Mar 6 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TEENAGE keeper Alex Smithies seems certain to be on the bench for Town at Leyton Orient in 48 hours.

While it’s an ideal birthday present for Smithies – who celebrated turning 18 yesterday – it’s agonising for Simon Eastwood, who was injured in the Reserves’ 0-0 draw against Oldham at the Galpharm.

Eastwood had been out for five months suffering a stress fracture of the left foot before returning last month to figure in the last four senior matches on the bench.

While a scan revealed no immediate serious damage, manager Andy Ritchie is unlikely to risk him at Brisbane Road, where Town need to win to stop the rot of four defeats in five League I matches.

Smithies, who made his debut as a substitute at Southend and then played when Matt Glennon was suspended against Leeds, is ready to deputise again despite having treatment himself for an ankle injury.

“It’s a sickener for Simon and we’ll keep an eye on him,” said Ritchie, who watched the keeper call for treatment after 39 minutes of yesterday’s Pontin’s Central Division match.

“Obviously we thought he had done his foot again, but the scan didn’t appear to show any immediate break.

“It is the same foot as the stress fracture, but we’ll let the consultant have a look at it when it’s settled down.

“I’m sure Alex (pictured) will be okay, and that’s the benefit of having two young, talented keepers on the books.”

Football – see Page 50.