Let's raise our game - Smith

Friday, August 25th 2017

Korey Smith admits it’s only natural that City will raise their game for the visit of Aston Villa to Ashton Gate tonight (7.45pm).

A first 20,000-plus crowd of the season awaits in BS3 as City welcome the Sky Sports cameras.

Midfielder Smith believes victory over a rejuvenated Villa side would represent a positive start to the season going into the international break.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he told BCTV. “It’s a Friday night under the lights on Sky Sports – we’ll get a lot of energy from that.

“When you’re on Sky against a big club you do lift your game.

“Obviously you should do that in every game and we do try, but I’m sure the boys will be really up for it. We want to impose our game on them and show people what we can do.

“It’s always good to go into the international break with a win.

“If we do get that win, it will be a really solid start to the season and that’s what we’re aiming for.”

WHAT HE SAID

"I’m sure the boys will be really up for it. We want to impose our game on them and show people what we can do."

Korey Smith

Smith is City’s only outfield player to have played a part in both Carabao Cup ties this season on top of every minute of every Sky Bet Championship match.

“It does feel like there has been a lot of games and I’ve played in all of them, but I’m enjoying it,” he added.

“Last year I had an injury so I didn’t get a pre-season and missed the start, so I’m not complaining!

“It’s nice to get a real confidence in the squad and keep everyone nice and happy.

“That’s what it’s all about because we’ve got a lot of tough games coming up after this break, so it’s important everyone is ready.”

A crowd of 20,000 is already guaranteed at Ashton Gate tonight. The match is pay on the night for home supporters.