Smith was one of the first names on Jim Vince's teamsheet in the opening month of the campaign when he and Justin Walker were in central midfield.

But the upturn in the team's fortunes since the arrival of Scott Phelan, Damien Allen and Tom Baker have seen Walker depart and pitched Smith into a battle for his place.

"It is frustrating because you don't know what's going to happen next," he said.

"It is up to the Gaffer to decide who plays, but it is up to me to take the chance when it comes."

Smith was a second half substitute in Saturday's 3-3 draw with fellow high flyers Newcastle Blue Star at the Shay.

And he and fellow benchmen Danny Ellis, who bagged the late equaliser, and Nigel Jemson, drew praise from the manager.

"No one likes having to go on from the bench, especially in a competitive game like Saturday's," he said. "It can be hard to get to the pace.

"But I was in the thick of it pretty quickly and got booked within a few minutes of going on.

"I thought I did all right when I went on, put the effort in and the manager seemed to be pleased.

"Hopefully I will be included again on Saturday."

While Smith is coping with his frustration he knows that there will be times when he needs to step up to the plate - and he will be ready.

"The manager has always said it is not about 11 players," said Smith.

"It is a big team thing and that's what it is going to take to win the league which is obviously what we are aiming for."

Tony Barras has suffered a couple of cracked ribs and will be out for around a month.

UNIBOND One North Bamber Bridge are staging a charity match between their ex players and guests and a Chorley XI at their Irongate home for their player Stuart Howson who broke his leg at Wakefield FC on November 15.

Howson is a trainee PE teacher at a local private school and will only receive pay for two weeks of his time off work.

The game kicks off at 7.45 and Bamber Bridge are hoping that officials and supporters from throughout the UniBond League will turn up to support the game.