ALEX SMITHIES is back between the posts for Huddersfield Town.
The talented 21-year-old, out for more than 10 months with a knee injury, made a high-profile return in last night’s big derby against Sheffield United.
It was Smithies’ 100th league appearance for Town and his first competitive outing since the goalless home draw with Swindon on March 15 last year.
And it ended a run of 37 consecutive league appearances for veteran former Sheffield United player Ian Bennett.
Now Smithies, who has had two operations to repair his injury, is eyeing a lengthy run in the side himself.
Boss Lee Clark said: “Alex showed his qualities in abundance, but I am in a lucky position of having a number of good keepers.
“It was a tough call to leave out Ian Bennett because he has been outstanding.”
There were also returns for Gary Roberts, just three weeks after he had surgery on a double hernia, and fellow wideman Danny Ward, who has had an ankle injury.
Alan Lee was another starter in one of five changes from the side which drew with MK Dons last time out, Kallum Higginbotham, Danny Cadamarteri, Tommy Miller and Scott Arfield dropping out of the XI.
The game attracted scouts from nine Premier League clubs – Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bolton Liverpool, Newcastle, Norwich, Sunderland, West Brom and Wolves.
Crisis club Rangers, on the day they went into administration, were also represented alongside Polish side Legia Warsaw.
