Jordan Smith spoke to the media for the first time since joining Hibs earlier this month - here's everything he had to say...
How are you enjoying it so far?
"Yeah, loving it to be fair. It's a quick turnaround. That's the best way to go about it I think. I think I've had as many games as training sessions to be honest with you. But as I say, that's the best way to go about it I think. Baptism of fire, find out what I'm all about. Obviously there's more work to do but really enjoying it. Just got to try and find a result to match because I've played twice and we've lost in both games so far. So that needs turning round sharpish."
You've been thrown straight in very quickly...
"Yeah, exactly. You quickly find out where you are. I mean, I like to think I'm a good pro and look after myself during the off-season. The move came around a bit later than I would have liked but that is what it is. Nothing I can do to control that. So as soon as the call came to get myself up here, I made sure I did and hit the ground running. Fortunately enough, the manager was confident and believed in me to put me in. I thought the team actually played alright on reflection but it doesn't really matter when the result goes the way it did. So, nice to get a game away from that competition tonight. Again, sort of regroup, gather, see where we're at, learn the lessons and then just turn our attentions to Saturday which is a must win."
What's the attraction of coming up to Hibs and Scottish football?
"I mean, honestly, the city speaks for itself and the size of the club. It's really hard to try and find a level. It's not really comparable to what it is down south but the Scottish Premiership is a top league. You've got the big boys in here, of course you have, but Hibs deserve to be fighting right around there. Obviously, that's not gone the way that we've wanted it to, certainly, judging by the fans' expectations who were very passionate and so rightly hold players accountable. So, the opportunity to come into such an amazing city and, as I say, an amazing club with the facilities and the stadium to match it, it was honestly a no-brainer."
And you know a few of the lads here already? It's a small world...
"Yeah, a couple. Obviously, as soon as it came about, I realised Riley Harbottle, obviously there's a connection there from Nottingham Forest. Joe Bursik, I managed to play against him a couple of times when he was at Stoke before he moved to Belgium. So, as you say, it's a really small world and even through connections of other goalkeeping coaches, Sammy was keen to meet me and put me to work. He certainly put me through my paces, so it's like he'd known me an awful long time."
Is the plan for you, Joe and Max Boruc to push each other as much as possible?
"I think that's the role of a goalkeeping department. Regardless of who is out and out number one, there's always going to be speculation. I just think the best thing for everybody is that we all want to play and we're all confident and able enough to play. I think that's going to bring out the best in all of us because you know that if you've got the shirt, you've got to be the best version of yourself every single time.
I think it's the greatest position on the football field, but also it's the most under the spotlight. So, like I say, of course we're going to push each other. Would I love to win that shirt? Absolutely. Otherwise, what's the point? I don't think anyone should just be content with sitting on the bench. But as I say, ultimately, if Joe does win the shirt, I'll back him 100% and push him all the way to make sure that the Hibs fans see the best version of him all the time."
What makes it the best position on the pitch, for you?
"Well, because of the level of scrutiny. I wasn't impressed with myself on the first goal that we conceded tonight. I thought we started really well, the boys started really well and we were managing the game quite nicely. And then, lack of game time, I could come up with a million excuses, but it was a poor decision to pass the ball out to Jordan before we were really set up. That's where the goal's come from. So, I was really disappointed with myself on that one because goals change games. They get that little bit of momentum and we go into half-time 2-1 down, which is a real disappointment because I thought we managed the game really well, probably for the first 25 minutes and showed them what we're all about. But that's sharpness and, as I said, I can make a million excuses, but ultimately, you've got to put it right because that's the last time we're going to have a friendly match. All these games are competitive and are going to mean something from here on in and mean an awful lot to a lot of people."
Read more:
-
Hibs instant analysis: Porteous return and McKirdy grabs a goal
-
Ryan Porteous gets Hibs star's backing after Euro 2024 nightmare
It's been a whirlwind week for you, have you even had a chance to unpack the suitcase?
"Honestly, no! I'm living out of my suitcase. I've not done any washings. I'm waiting for my wife to come up for the weekend. As you say, it's been a whirlwind, it really has, and obviously it's a long way from home, but I've got no issue with that. That's the life of a footballer. That's what I've signed up for and I'm more than happy to do it, as I say, especially when it's to come somewhere this good. Fortunately for me, the club have been fantastic, as they have with all the boys who've come up. They've got great staff in place to make sure that that transition period is as smooth as possible. Honestly, I've got no qualms or complaints. They've given me zero excuses. That's always a problem for a goalkeeper when you've not got an excuse in the bank, isn't it?"
Read the rules here