TOWN striker Michael Smith is glad to be off the mark in pre-season as Swindon prepare to host Premier League side Everton this afternoon.

The Geordie, who has been linked to moves away from the County Ground during the close season, has said that he is ‘buzzing’ to be back in training, even if he is having a few problems with blisters.

“It was obviously a disappointing end to the end of last season,” he told the club website.

“It was a short summer in the end but I’m buzzing to be back and to see all the boys.

“I struggle with blisters, so that’s been the hardest thing for me so far, but all the boys have come back in good shape.”

The 23-year-old broke his pre-season duck in the opening game against Swindon Supermarine but could not prevent Swindon from falling to a 2-1 defeat at the Webb’s Wood Stadium.

Smith is now relishing the challenge of pitting his wits up against some of the best defenders in the country, starting with the likes of Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines.

“It’s always nice to get an early one (a goal) out of the way,” he added. “It was an enjoyable 45 minutes - they gave us a really good game which is what you want in pre-season.

“We’re up against Premier League teams which is really good and Everton will be another good test.

“Playing against top teams you can see what you need to do to get to that next level.”

Meanwhile, Everton boss Roberto Martinez sees the game with Swindon this afternoon as the perfect way to prepare for the season.

Martinez will bring down a full strength side to the County Ground as he aims to give most of his squad 45 minutes of game time before jetting off for the Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore next week.

That means the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley and Leighton Baines, should all line-up against Mark Cooper’s side at some stage in this afternoon’s proceedings.

“The Swindon game will be a perfect introduction playing-wise as we will be able to get 45 minutes’ playing time for most of the players,” Martinez told evertonfc.com.

There will be a minutes applause before today’s game to remember former Town manager Andy King.