Grant Smith told to raise his game if wants to play for Carlisle Utd again
Last updated 12:04, Tuesday, 02 December 2008
Out-of-favour midfielder Grant Smith has been told to raise his game if he wants to force his way into Greg Abbott’s first-team plans.
Smith was a regular fixture in the United side in the closing months of last season after his arrival under previous boss John Ward.
But he has fallen out of favour this term, first under Ward and now Abbott, having failed to make the squad for any of the caretaker’s five matches in charge.
The Scot, 28, did not even make the bench when Abbott was allowed to name seven subs for the FA Cup clash at Grays on Saturday.
And Abbott said: “Grant has got to work to get back into the squad.
“We have had a chat, he is disappointed with my decision and I’m disappointed with the way he has performed.
“We need improvement there. If there is, he will be back in. If there isn’t, we will sort that out as well.”
Much-travelled Smith signed a one-year deal in the summer but has only managed three appearances so far this term.
Injury kept him out of the Blues’ opening games and he has since struggled to get past Paul Thirlwell, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Graham Kavanagh, Luke Joyce and John Welsh for a central midfield place.
Smith was on target for the reserves in yesterday’s 3-2 win over Accrington Stanley.
