JONATHAN Smith is desperate to prove himself after being recalled from his loan spell at Conference North side Barrow.

The Accrington Stanley centre half had only just agreed to extend his deal with the Bluebirds when he was asked to return to Hyndburn and ease a defensive crisis.

With Steve Halford sidelined for over a month with a broken leg and Robbie Williams battling to shake off a groin injury, manager John Coleman has turned to Smith to boost the Reds' rearguard.

And the 28-year-old is delighted to be back in the fold after a month at Barrow.

"It's down to someone's misfortune that I'm back, but ironically I was having a run in the team last year when Steve Halford replaced me for the trip to Dagenham," he said.

"I had a back spasm on the coach on the way down and Steve played instead of me, so roles will have been reversed if I play on Saturday."

Smith feels he has benefitted from his loan spell.

"Going to Barrow has helped me with my match fitness and confidence," he said.

"There will be a little bit of pressure on me and I probably will have a few nerves because, if I'm involved, it will be the first time I've pulled on a shirt for Accrington since the last game of last season, but I will give it my best shot."