Boro boss Smith expects big test (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

SWINDON TOWN: Boro boss Smith expects big test

6:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in Sport By Sam Morshead

STEVENAGE manager Gary Smith is expecting a stern test from a Swindon Town side he says is hard to predict.

Smith, who assumed the reigns at Broadhall Way following the departure of Graham Westley to Preston in January, has guided Boro to second place in League One - just a point behind leaders Tranmere.

But he is not getting carried away by his own team’s lofty position and the relative inconsistency of tomorrow’s guests.

“It will be a tough game,” he said. “I think their away form has been slightly better than their home form, which has been the case with us a little bit this season.

“Paolo Di Canio is a colourful and creative manager and he has put together a very strong group. I suspect the budget behind the scenes is a very big one, and one which suggests they are looking for back-to-back promotions.

“I couldn’t even begin to tell you what side he will put out because there has been a lot of changes, but what we do know is whoever plays will provide us with a stiff test and at the end of a tough week it will be a difficult encounter.”

Smith said that he was undecided whether to bring in one or two fresh faces in attacking positions for Stevenage’s third game in a week, or stick with the same players who beat MK Dons and Portsmouth.

Midfielder James Dunne will serve a one-match suspension, while Oliver Risser is eligible to play against his parent club.