Credit - WrexhamAFC.co.uk
Sam Smith did not hesitate when asked if he was ready to start. The Wrexham striker knows Kieffer Moore remains an injury doubt for Saturday’s trip to Ipswich Town, and his response showed exactly the mindset Phil Parkinson needs.
“If I am called on, I’ll make sure I’m ready and do what I can do,” Smith said. The confidence was clear. So was the preparation.
Smith could be handed his first Championship start of the season at Portman Road. Moore sustained a hamstring problem in the 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic and missed Wales’ World Cup qualifiers during the international break. Wrexham are unbeaten in five games and sitting 13th in the table, but Moore’s absence would be significant given he has started every league match this season and is the club’s top scorer with nine goals.
Smith’s preparation built around learning from Moore
Smith has not spent his time on the bench complaining about limited opportunities. He has spent it watching Moore and learning how Wrexham’s top scorer operates within Parkinson’s system.
“Kiefer’s been unbelievable for us, and it’s been good learning off him and watching him,” Smith said. The approach has been deliberate rather than passive. Smith has studied the movement, the hold-up play, and the positioning that makes Moore so effective.
Smith acknowledged Moore’s importance to the team structure without resentment. “He’s a big player for the way we play,” he said. That understanding matters when the moment comes to step in and fill the role.
“You always want to be starting games, and that’s what you work throughout the week to do,” Smith explained. The ambition has never disappeared. It has just been channelled into preparation rather than frustration.
Smith was honest about Moore’s situation when asked about the severity of the injury. “We’re not 100% sure yet,” he said. “He’s a big player for the way we play and the team in the training room, so hopefully he’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Phil Parkinson has been assessing Moore throughout the international break. The manager said Moore is “coming along well” but the striker will be desperate to prove his fitness for the trip to his former club.
Two goals prove Smith can deliver when opportunities arrive
Smith has already shown he can finish at Championship level this season. Two goals prove he belongs when given time on the pitch. The question now is whether he can deliver across a full match rather than in short bursts.
Those contributions came off the bench in limited minutes. A full 90 minutes against Ipswich would test whether he can sustain that impact and influence games from the start.
The response to being called upon matters as much as the technical ability. Smith has made it clear he will not need time to adjust or settle into the game. He has been preparing for exactly this scenario throughout the season.
Embed from Getty ImagesIpswich will pose a serious test of his readiness. They competed in the Premier League last season and know what top level football requires. Smith will need to deliver from the first whistle if he gets his chance.
Smith remains focused on the collective rather than personal ambition. “We’ve got a great squad and we want to go as high as we can,” he said. His potential start is about helping Wrexham maintain their unbeaten run, not just proving a point.
Moore’s nine goals have been crucial to Wrexham’s strong start. Smith’s mindset suggests he will not waste the opportunity if called upon to maintain that momentum.
About The Author
