Huddersfield Town

Tommy Smith is going into Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup game full of confidence after a positive week of results at the Club.

Smith has played the full 180 minutes as Town defeated Reading and drew with Charlton Athletic and is now looking forward to taking on the Tricky Trees on Tuesday:

“We’re feeling good after Saturday, although we were all disappointed to concede the equaliser so late on given how well we played throughout the game, especially with 10 men. We’ve had a few improved performances of late, such as the win at Reading, and we’re going into the game full of confidence looking for another win.

“Like every footballer, I just want to play as many games as possible and keep my place in the team. I’ve played four games on the bounce now, which is great, and I’m hoping to play a lot more. To do that, I need to keep playing well.

“It was brilliant to chip in with the assist on Saturday, because everyone knows getting forward is part of being a modern full back as well as defending. I’m glad I got into the box and supplied the cross for Nahki on Saturday; hopefully I can do a lot more of that this season.”

Smith has been restored to the side under Caretaker Manager Mark Lillis and believes that there are a number of reasons for the improvement since the opening day defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

“I think there are a number of little things that we have improved on.

“I think round pegs in round holes and I think that’s part of the reason. We’ve gone back to basics with the formation and switched to four at the back and we seem to be better for it; we look more organised and a bit stronger. 

“We’ve also seen the arrival and emergence of a couple of new players in Conor (Coady) and ‘Butts’ (Jacob Butterfield), who have been brilliant in midfield.”

Next up for the Terriers is Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup game against Nottingham Forest, when the winners could be rewarded with a tie against a Premier League giant in Round Three. Smith is hoping the Town faithful can recreate the atmosphere on Saturday to help the Terriers prevail.

Tommy continued: “There will be some big teams in the hat, but we’ve got to forget about that and focus on Tuesday night. We know Nottingham Forest will be a good side. 

“The fans make a real difference. When we had 10 men on Saturday, it felt like we had 11 at times because of the fans’ backing and the atmosphere inside the ground. 

“That’s not just the case at home – we’ve had two big trips to Cardiff and Reading and they’ve been tremendous there too. They’ve given us a massive boost. 

“Hopefully they will turn up in their numbers tomorrow night and cheer us on against an opponent that will give us a massive test.”