Time to shine for Smith

Set for games: Matt Smith

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Matt Smith is determined to lose his versatile tag when Leicester Tigers are without Manu Tuilagi during the upcoming November Test Series.

Smith, a consistent performer for the Premiership club when blooded at either centre or wing, has been used mainly as a bench option this term.

However, he is now looking to make his starting opportunities count at Welford Road in November and hopefully cement a regular spot in the side.

"Manu is obviously going to be away for a lot of this season with England," Smith told premiershiprugby.com.

"I think it works out as about a third overall, so this is a good chance for me to get a few games in a row under my belt and try and push my case.

"To be quite honest Manu is probably the best 13 in the northern hemisphere at the moment so it's inevitable that I will have to wait my turn.

"I can play anywhere across the back line really, with the exception of fly-half, and the skills are quite transferable.

"My versatility is probably a blessing and a curse in that sense, I can slot in where necessary for the team but also as I get older 13 is where I want to be playing more regularly."

Smith is the son of former Leicester player Ian 'Dosser' Smith and has been watching at Welford Road since a young age. Despite his local ties though, he hasn't ruled out moving on if first-team opportunities don't become a regular occurrence under Richard Cockerill.

"I'm a local lad and I'm very happy to be at Leicester and at the moment I'm involved in the matchday 23 each week so I can't complain," he added.

"But you never say never, there may come a time when I look to move on in search of week in week out rugby but at the moment I'm happy where I am.

"We have got great strength in depth in the squad now and we have spoken about keeping up our high performance levels regardless of who is missing, a backs-against the wall mentality.

"Last year was a real struggle during the World Cup so this time around everyone needs to be ready to step in because we want to get Leicester back to the top of European rugby and with the different competitions coming thick and fast everyone has to step up."

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