MANNY Smith is ready for another big challenge at Notts County.
The 24-year-old defender has already overcome a serious knee injury in his first season at Meadow Lane – and is now preparing to fight for a place at the heart of their back-four.
Subject to the game going ahead today, with a 9.30am pitch inspection scheduled, Smith is almost certain to start at Stevenage in League One because Dean Leacock is set to miss out (hamstring) and Damion Stewart is suspended.
But he knows the two experienced centre-backs will be back soon and looking to force their way back into the team.
"It's going to be a big challenge, but it's good when you have loads of good players around you. It brings the best out of you," said Smith.
"It's down to the gaffer at the end of the day. He's got a big squad and everyone is trying hard to be in the team."
After damaging knee ligaments on his Magpies debut on the opening day of the season, Smith made his long-awaited comeback in their 2-2 Boxing Day draw at Shrewsbury.
"It was good to be back out there," he said. "I was a bit nervous when the gaffer told me I was in the team.
"But I felt good during the game, it's just a shame we didn't win because I think we deserved to.
"But we've got a lot of positives to build on."
Notts slipped down to tenth in the table after that draw, but boss Keith Curle still felt it was a big step forward for Smith, who he signed on a two-year deal last summer.
"He came in and did exactly what it said on the tin," said Curle. "He hadn't even played 90 minutes in a development game before it, but he defended his position and came through it very well.
"His performance was a big positive and he is only going to get stronger now he is back."
