Smith doubt for Everton game

Last updated : 13 February 2013 By The Chairman

The Latics could be without Matt Smith, the goalscoring hero against Liverpool, as he is fighting to get fit to face Everton in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The 6ft 6in striker picked up a shoulder injury in the Liverpool clash and hasn't appeared since.

Caretaker manager Tony Philliskirk commented, “Matt is working closely with physio Jon Guy. As we stand, Matt hasn’t joined training yet. The fact he hasn’t trained or played since Liverpool has to be taken into consideration as we will need everyone involved in the Everton game to be firing on all cylinders.”

Another problem for Philliskirk to consider is whether to include defender Cliff Byrne who has been rested recently. James Tarkowski stepped in and had such an impressive game in the 3-1 victory over FC Franchise that it would be very difficult to leave him out of the team.