You won’t find Tommy Smith shouting from the rooftops as he approaches his half-century of Huddersfield Town appearances.
But the quiet man of Chris Powell’s team will, when pushed, admit to being pleased with his progress over the last year.
The 22-year-old former Manchester City man has established himself at right-back.
And he’s aiming to maintain both his form and fitness to see out 2014 by reaching 49 games.
After visiting Norwich City, Town host Birmingham City next Saturday.
They go to Rotherham United on Boxing Day before Bolton Wanderers come to the John Smith’s on Sunday, December 28.
Smith, from Runcorn, made his first-team debut against Hull in the Capital One Cup third round last season.
And his league bow came in the Sky Sports-televised win at Sheffield Wednesday a month later.
“That game at Hillsborough was just over a year ago, and the time really has flown by,” said Smith.
Nick Proschwitz scored Hull’s winner in that cup clash the September before last.
But the German striker, now at Brentford, was kept quiet with Smith’s help as the Bees were beaten 2-1 in last Saturday’s Championship clash at the John Smith’s.
“I feel I’m improving as a player – I am adding assists to my game, which is something I’ve been aiming to do,” added Smith.
“My aim when I first got into the side was to cement my place as quickly as I could.
“Hopefuly I can keep pushing on and play as many games as possible.
“But I’m not taking anything for granted, and I know I have to keep working hard.
“There’s always someone after your position. I know that, but I’m determined to keep going and stay on top of my game.”
Smith, who left Manchester City of his own volition three years ago, spent time at Tranmere Rovers and Oxford United before joining Town’s newly-formed Under 21 squad during the 2012 close-season.
He had played under then Town development, now first-team, coach Steve Eyre at the Premier League club.
As well as Eyre, he rates City’s Argentinian right-back Pablo Zabaleta and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville as influences.
“I aspired to emulate Pablo Zabaleta,” explained Smith.
“He’s got the full package. He can defend and go forward.
“When I was at City, he couldn’t get into the team, but look at him now.
“Gary Neville is another right-back I really admire.
“He had it all as well and he had such a long and successful career.”
Smith would clearly love to play as long, but he’s not getting ahead of himself,
“Like I say, I just want to keep my run in the side going,” he continued.
“I also want to play my part in some more victories, starting against Norwich.
“The win against Brentford was long overdue and a real boost for us, but we know we have to build on it, because as we’ve seen so often, things can change very fast.
“We got a first win in five, now we need to address our away form after losing the last three.
“We’ve not being playing badly, but we have to put away our chances, like we did against Brentford.
“Norwich were playing Premier League football last season and they still have a strong squad, but we will go there ready to play positive football and we will be looking for another win.”
