Smicer looking at first start

Smicer has been out with a knee injury all season before finally returning to the first team squad against Charlton last week. Smicer has made two subsitute appearances since his return but is expected to get his first start at Birmingham today because Luis Garcia is serving a one game ban.

With his contract up at the end of the season Smicer is hoping to impress Rafael Benitez between now and May.

"It was a big surprise to me when the manager picked me as a substitute at Charlton but it was also a good sign. If the manager does that when you've been out for a long time, it suggests he has faith in you," said Smicer.
 
"He has given me a chance straight away and that makes me believe he wants me at the club. It's always important to feel that kind of confidence from a manager.
 
"I can't be sure that I'll start today and I won't know until I'm out there if I can play 45, 60,or 90 minutes. It's always hard to tell, but if the manager decides to use me I will be ready."