Jonathan Smith on facing his former club in League Cup tie and his return to fitness
There was one player in particular who was excited about the Town’s Capital One Cup draw against Swindon – midfielder Jonathan Smith.
The 29-year-old spent 12 months at the County Ground under Paulo Di Canio and helped the Robins win the League 2 title during 2011/12.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Smith told lutontown.co.uk after hearing of the draw which handed the Hatters a home tie in the first round of the League Cup. “I had a great time at Swindon and I felt I enjoyed a really good relationship with the fans. It was a great experience, especially playing under the manager there at the time.
“It gave me a lot of experience which I have brought with me to Luton. Swindon’s a great club and obviously this game is going to be of big interest to me.”
On the tie itself, Smith added: “We’ll go into the game holding no fears. Being at home is an advantage and I’m sure our fans will get behind us which will give us a chance of causing an upset.”
Smith made an emotional return to the Town side in the final game of the season at Hyde on 26th April – four months to the day that he broke his leg in the 2-1 win over Barnet on Boxing Day.
And the midfielder is hopeful that he can return to pre-season training 100 per cent fit.
“I’ve been working hard over the summer and my recovery has been going really well,” explained Smith. “There have been no ill effects, I feel good, I feel fit and there’s still two weeks to go until we return for pre-season which gives me even more time to prepare.
“I can’t wait for it to start. I’m raring to go.”
On the Town’s pairing with the Robins, manager John Still added: “It’s a good draw. We’re at home against higher league opposition…what’s not to like? It’ll be a good test for us.”