PRESTON manager Simon Grayson has identified Michael Smith as Swindon Town’s key threat as he prepares to bring his side to the County Ground.

The North End boss is right to fear Smith, who has been in impessive form this season, notching 11 goals and starting every league fixture. In many ways, the Town striker bares similarities to Grayson’s own muscular frontmen, Joe Garner and Kevin Davies, albeit probably offering a bit more finesse than the veteran former Bolton man.

However, Preston have been on excellent form away from Deepdale, winning four and drawing one of their seven games on the road, scoring 11 goals. Grayson will be hoping for more of the same tonight.

“I think (Michael) Smith has done well for them,” Grayson said. “He’s in double figures, but they are very strong in the midfield area with Yaser Kasim and Massimo Luongo.

“It is a difficult place to go but we know we can go there and get a result because, in the main, we have done well in our away games this season.

“Potentially, it could be a really good game.”

Grayson took charge of his first game as Preston boss at the County Ground in February 2013, when Adam Rooney scored to give Town a 1-1 draw. Since then, Mark Cooper has drastically altered the side and style, someting the Preston boss is impressed by.

“My first game as Preston manager was at Swindon 18 or 19 months ago,” Grayson added. “We got a 1-1 draw on that occasion.

“I think Mark has done a great job down there. They play in a manner which is pleasing to the eye.

“They try to play it out from the back all the time.That is testament to Mark and his philosophies, and how he wants to play.”