ALEX SMITHIES will step up his comeback bid after knee surgery when Huddersfield Town head to Blackburn Rovers for a development match on Tuesday.
Town’s 21-year-old keeper, who hasn’t played a competitive match since March, came through a training-ground game this week without problem.
The former England junior international, who is just one off 100 league appearances for the Galpharm club, has been working one-to-one with goalkeeping coach John Vaughan.
“Alex is coming along well,” reported manager Lee Clark. “He’s had the best possible treatment and he’s done everything right in terms of his rehab.
“When he does return it will be like signing one of the best young goalkeepers in the business.”
Smithies made an unsuccessful comeback attempt in pre-season, after which he had further surgery.
Town juniors have an FA Premier Academy League derby against Leeds at Canalside tomorrow (11.00).
Midfielder Matt Crooks took his season’s goal haul to seven while Duane Holmes grabbed the equaliser as Town fought back from two down for a draw at Derby last Saturday.
Town had a great chance to win it late on, but Max Leonard shot wide after Crooks flicked on Jordan Sinnott’s throw.
