Hudersfield Town's Smithies earns praise

Mar 9 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TEENAGE Town keeper Alex Smithies earned a new fan on Saturday with Millwall manager Kenny Jackett enthusiastic in his praise for the 19-year-old.

Smithies topped an impressive display with a stunning save from Lions striker Gary Alexander 12 minutes from time and the New Den boss clearly felt there is a bright future ahead for the England under-19 international.

“He looks a good goalkeeper and he is very well rated at our level,” said Jackett.

“There are not many teenage goalkeepers playing at any level of the League – so that is an achievement in itself.

“I believe he has got a new deal here at Huddersfield and he is well thought of in the game and he showed why against us on Saturday.”

Jackett, whose team lie fourth in the League I table after their 2-1 success at the Galpharm Stadium, was pleased with his side’s patience as they notched their ninth away win of the campaign.

“I thought that in the first half we gave Huddersfield a lot of problems and we were getting in good crosses,” said Jackett.

“It was a good spell for us in the first 45 minutes and, to be honest, after what we had done coming in 0-0 at half time was a bit of a let down as I felt we should have been in front.