Swindon Town boss Maurice Malpas has praised right-back Jack Smith after seeing the defender start every game so far this season.

The former Watford defender and Simon Cox are the only two players to have started all nine of Swindon's games so far this season.

"In fairness to Jack he has done very well this season," Malpas said.

"In pre-season it looked as though Kevin Amankwaah would get the right-back shirt, but he got injured and that gave Jack his chance.

"He played well at left-back on Saturday and has shown his versatility.

"Jack has taken the bull by the horns and given it a right good shake!"

Malpas has also had a discussion with centreback Jerel Ifil after the defender was left out of the starting line-up at Stockport County last weekend.

"I spoke to Jerel on Monday and everything is fine there," explained the boss.

"Jerel isn't the type of player who would go off in a huff and he needs to start producing performances.

"He played at Exeter City on Tuesday night for the reserves as it is important that he keeps getting games and stays match sharp."