LEE CLARK is hoping for a welcome Christmas present for Huddersfield Town in the shape of Alex Smithies’ return to first-team contention.

Town’s talented keeper has been restricted to just nine appearances this calendar year because of a troublesome knee injury.

But after two operations and months of frustration, the highly-rated 21-year-old is nearing a comeback – and the Galpharm manager is delighted.

"Alex has had to be patient, but we knew that would be the case because we want to be sure the problem is sorted once and for all, and that means taking no risks," said Clark.

Former England junior international Smithies went under the knife for the second time in eight months in August.

Surgeon Steve Bollan cleared debris from the knee after the player experienced discomfort during pre-season, when he played in three warm-up games.

The initial operation in January seemed to have been successful when Smithies returned to make four appearances in March.

But the problem resurfaced, and after trying a period of rest, then an injection into the joint, the star stopper reported back after the summer break.

Things were looking hopeful until Smithies suffered more pain during the final friendly at Rotherham, just seven days before the start of the current campaign.

"The medics are happy with Alex’s progress and so is he, which is an important factor," continued Clark.

"Alex has been running as well as working in the gym, and he’s close to starting one-on-one work with (goalkeeping coach) John Vaughan, which will be another step forward.

"It would be great if he was back in full training by Christmas, and that’s a possibility, but if it takes a couple of weeks longer, so be it, because it’s all about looking long term."