Tommy Smith puts his successful transition to first-team football at Huddersfield Town down to self-belief and hard work – and he’s not about to let either lapse.
Only too aware that captain and fellow centre-back Peter Clarke is nearing full fitness after knee ligament surgery – he could even be in the frame as soon as Tuesday, when Town head to Bournemouth in the Championship – Smith is desperate to maintain his form and place in the side.
It was Clarke’s injury which have the likeable 21-year-old his chance, and he’s taken it impressively with a string of composed performances.
Having given a glimpse of his talents when selected for the Capital One Cup third-round tie at Premier League Hull, Smith is set to figure for the 13th game running this afternoon.
The FA Cup fourth-round tie against Championship rivals Charlton at the John Smith’s Stadium has significance, because his first appearance in a matchday squad was for last season’s third-round tie at The Valley, where Town won 1-0.
The former Manchester City man was seen as a full-back then, and he reprises that role when Mark Robins chooses to switch from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 during matches.
Such flexibility adds to Smith’s appeal, just like his eagerness to continue learning, both during games and on the training ground.
“I’m really enjoying this run of games, and I like to think I’m picking up something new from every one of them,” said the Runcorn-based player.
“Last week’s game at QPR (which Town lost 2-1) was certainly a case in point, because we were up against what is basically a team of Premier League players. “They have quality all over the pitch – Charlie Austin (who scored both home goals) was a was handful – but we gave them a real challenge.
“It’s a sign of where we are that we were so disappointed to lose, because we created more than enough chances to have won.
“QPR are particularly strong at home, but we are a good side with a good spirit and we will go to any ground and have a real go.
“Speaking personally, it was a great experience to pit myself against so many good players, and when I look back a few months, I think I have definitely developed.”
Smith, a big Manchester United fan as a child, is quick to praise the hugely experienced Clarke, injured against Birmingham in early November, for his help.
“It must have been tough for the skip, because he suffered a nasty injury and we all know how committed he is to this club,” he explained.
“But he helped me before his injury, and he has continued to help me since it happened, and that’s a measure of the man.
“I know he’s desperate to get back into the side, and I know Joel Lynch is getting back after his (groin and hip) injury, so I really have to knuckle down.”
That’s nothing new for a player who voluntarily cut short his time at Manchester City when he decided his future lay elsewhere.
Town senior development coach Steve Eyre, who mentored Smith at City when he was part of the youth coaching staff, provided the opening the close-season before last.
“It was a great break for me,” added Smith. “I always had confidence in myself, and I’ve been brought up knowing the value of hard work.
“It’s not been easy to get to this stage, and there’s no way I’ll ease up now. I’ll keep my feet on the ground and keep taking it one step at a time.”
