MICHAEL Smith’s improved hold-up play this season is in part a response to the criticism he received last term.

There has been noticeable development in the Geordie striker’s ability to link play, not just with midfield but also with his fellow strikers, this season.

The zenith of that was probably the breakaway equaliser against Gillingham where Smith pivoted and fashioned a well-weighted pass to play in Andy Williams.

It has meant, despite not scoring since the League Cup win at Luton, whether playing alone or alongside fellow strikers Williams and Obika, the 22-year-old has done enough to justify his selection.

It was in Town’s dramatic 2-1 win against tomorrow’s opponents, Sheffield United, last season that Smith came in for the most noticeable criticism from the County Ground fans.

Taking that on board Town’s number nine worked on that aspect of his game over the summer and hopes his efforts are being recognised.

“We did work on it a bit in the off-season,” Smith told the Advertiser.

“That was one of the main things last season that I was getting stick for – the link-up play. So I went away and tried to work on that and hopefully it’s paid off.

“As a number nine you’ve got to link the midfield and bring them into play as well and move them up the pitch. So if the ball is not sticking up front, the team can’t function.

“So there’s a lot of weight on your shoulders to do that and hopefully I’m doing that well.

“A few of the lads have had a bit of banter about it (Smith’s seven-game goal-less run) in the changing room but I know if I keep working hard off the pitch the goals will come.

“Under the gaffer and Luke (Williams), I know my game will come on leaps and bounds.”

After last season’s game with the Blades, Mark Cooper said that the criticism of his striker was “not going to help anyone”.

The Town boss backed Smith to shake it off and, a few months down the line, thinks he has done just that.

When asked about the Sheffield match last season, Smith said: “You forget about it and move on, it was last season so there’s not thing I can do to change that.

“If I play Saturday, I’ll just have to put that right and settle the score there.”