SMITH PLEASED TO REPAY FAITH
Defender happy with league debut
Tommy Smith filled the void left by injured Captain Peter Clarke with a superb display against Sheffield Wednesday – and he wants to do it all again this Saturday against Burnley.
The former Manchester City youngster made his league debut in the 2-1 win and hopes to keep his place for the visit of the league leaders.
He said: "I am delighted that the Manager, Steve Taylor and Steve Eyre have shown faith in me, but I will just take it one game at a time. I would love to play in front of the home fans against Burnley.
"Huddersfield Town is a great club to be at and the morale within the camp over the last week has been high. We were confident that we could gain a result and everyone is made up."
The victory was Town's first in just under a month and was architected by the returning Adam Clayton and Martin Paterson.
"Our first half performance was brilliant and we more than deserved to go in ahead," said Smith. "The first goal was good to watch with Adam (Clayton) finding Pato (Martin Paterson) with a reverse pass who has been waiting for an opportunity like that.
"The second goal came at a crucial time for us as Wednesday were beginning to come into the game, but Adam's strike settled the game down again.
"The dressing room was a great place to be after the final whistle, it was buzzing!"
Tommy finished by thanking his defensive counterparts on the day, Anthony Gerrard and Joel Lynch.
He said: "When the Captain got injured and plans were being put in place for the game, I thought that I had a chance of being involved in the 20 man squad. He is a massive miss, but I am delighted that I was given an opportunity and I don't think I let anyone down.
"I found out I was playing on Thursday when the manager was working on the shape of the team.
"Gerrard and Lynchy were outstanding. Gerrard headed everything that came his way, while the pair of them were constantly talking to me and guiding me through the game."
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