Huddersfield Town keeper Smithies' fitness in focus

May 18 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

“I totally understand his desire to play international football, and it’s great for the club to be recognised in this way.

“But as the people who pay his wages, I have to put Huddersfield Town first, and we need to have Alex back for pre-season fully fit and rested.

“We will speak to the medical people at the FA later this week and if they want to assess Alex before a final decision is taken, that’s fine.”

The England squad also includes Martin Kelly, the Liverpool defender who was loaned to Town this season and whom Clark would like to return for 2009-10.

Smithies has one Under 19 cap so far.