DS: “Todd was back training on Wednesday and Thursday and is available for squad. No-one has come back injured from the game on Wednesday.”
Is this a must win? Smith doesn't think
#NCFC are in a completely desperate position, but admits they need to find wins sooner rather than later. 'We need to give the fans something to cheer about on Saturday.'
Smith asked whether there are comparisons between Jack Grealish and Cantwell.
#NCFC's boss describes Grealish as an 'unique' player. The challenge for Todd at the moment is getting his performances back to a decent level.
DS: 'We don't rule out doing something in the Jan window. But we know the situation in terms of the model and the size of the squad. Definitely not looking at the summer market yet.'
DS: “I believe we can turn this around. More importantly, the players need to believe that as well.”
Dean Smith admits they didn’t create the chances at West Ham, despite an improved performance. Felt they created better opportunities against Palace, Spurs, and Man Utd.
'We more than competed against West Ham but we didn't create very good chances.' I'd agree with that assessment. How do
#NCFC put that right? 'By working on the processes'
Smith wants
#NCFC to take more risks as they begin to enter 'must-win territory'. But, it's a balancing act and they can't leave themselves too open.
DS: “Everton had a good start and it takes time to work the changes from a new manager. I have respect for what Rafa’s done in the league.”
Dean Smith wants to see the togetherness from fans at Carrow Road. States he is willing to take criticism at the end of the game if the performance isn’t good enough.
DS fitness update on Normann and Gilmour: 'Mathias now running, just a case of stepping it up. Still pain free. Gilmour staying with
#chelsea rest of this week and then a return to us next week. Sargent trained last day or so. Available.'
We understand with the results that we're going to get criticism. We've spoken in the dressing room about having a siege mentality. I'm not bothered by people's opinions. We know the restrictions we've been under with players injured and ill
Grant Hanley is currently having injections to play for
#NCFC. Smith says he is feeling better than expected and it will continue to heal as the matches go on.
Asked about his thinking behind the Pukki and Idah combination, Smith said: 'We have lost numbers in midfield. We wanted one of our strikers to drop deep and get involved in the play.'
DS on Cantwell future: 'There is nothing to discuss as a club.
We haven't had a bid so there is nothing to discuss.' 'I've been completely transparent with Todd. He had a knee injury and he was ill. He travelled with us to West Ham and was sent home.'
Smith says
#NCFC can't 'get away from criticism' because of their results and performances. Some of it has been over the top, he feels. Hence why he decided to voice his opinions in support of the players.
Lukas Rupp is back from Germany. Smith is expecting him to be out for another 2-3 weeks. Andrew Omobamidele is stepping up his rehab. Both targeting a return for Wolves in the FA Cup.
Smith has spoken to loans manager Andy Hughes and plans to speak to Jordan Hugill over the next 24 hours. Crucially, he doesn't believe there is a recall clause in his loan deal to West Brom
DS asked about Cantwell and his social media profile. 'I have spoken to him about it in the past and told him to limit his time on there, or just deal with his family and friends. I'm not on it. I don't see the value of being on it.'