LOANEE Brad Smith could be available to Town as early as next Saturday’s clash with Crewe after the diagnosis on his knee injury was better than first feared.

The Liverpool youngster was taken off at half-time in Town’s 2-1 Capital One Cup victory at Luton on Tuesday, with initial suggestions being he could miss more than a month with what was thought to be a medial ligament injury.

However, with further tests showing a small fracture in the knee, manager Mark Cooper revealed he could have Smith at his disposal for the Crewe clash and that the search for a temporary replacement has been called off.

“We think Brad Smith may be available next weekend so we’re not going to rush to bring anyone in for a couple of games,” he said.

“We believe he may have a small fracture on the top of his knee bone, so it’s not knee ligament damage which makes it easier to heal.”

When asked if there was any update on any potential new arrivals at the Country Ground, Cooper replied “Nothing.”