MICHAEL Smith nearly did not get the chance to rediscover his scoring touch against Sheffield United, as Town boss Mark Cooper revealed he considered omitting the Geordie striker from his starting XI.

Smith repaid his manager’s selection by putting away the first two goals in the emphatic 5-2 win over the Blades.

His first, especially, demonstrated the 22-year-old’s self-belief. After a seven-game barren spell, Smith coolly placed his shot past Mark Howard after being put in by Louis Thompson.

It could have been a different story.

Jonathan Obika’s hot streak since his arrival and Andy Williams’ impressive goal and performance on Tuesday night made Cooper consider giving Smith a break from starting duties.

But the Town boss was pleased to see his number nine find the net again on Saturday.

“I could have easily have left Michael out. A few people were saying I should leave him but you know what he’s going to give us,” said Cooper.

“I had Willo (Andy Williams) waiting in the wings, chomping at the bit and he’s come on (and scored).

“Like I said to the boys before the game, when you come on you have to make a difference and the subs did again.

“We have to try and manage it properly. Two of them have got to play for an hour, then we’ll bring somebody on then that’s great isn’t it?

“As long as they’re all fresh, when they do go on the pitch they’re a real handful.

“I thought he (Smith) was tremendous. I thought they were all tremendous.

“It’s nice he’s come back with a couple of goals – the (first) goal was fantastic.

“A great move and a brilliant finish and we could have had more.”

Town’s other Smith, Brad, also impressed, playing a key part in two of the goals.

His second assist was especially crucial as he provided for Williams to add the key fourth goal.

Cooper hopes the encouragement that he and his staff have been giving the loanee will benefit his game.

“He (Brad Smith) very much works on confidence and we try to give him all the confidence in the world,’’ he added.

“We just say to him first time you get the ball we want you to push it and run at the full-back and try and take him on, if you lose it so what.

“He attacked well but the other side of it he’s got to stop more crosses coming into the box.

“Both wing-backs we need to try and defend better as a team and that means we need to try and stop crosses coming into the box.”