PHIL Simkin is considering loaning out Jake Smeeton in a bid to aid the full-back’s recovery.

After a five-month absence due to a hamstring injury, the 24-year-old returned to action on Tuesday night as Dorchester Town Reserves beat their Wimborne rivals 3-1.

But with fellow left-back Neil Martin in fine form this season, Smeeton is unlikely to feature for the first team any time soon.

With that in mind, a loan spell elsewhere is seen as the ideal solution as the latter aims to build his match fitness.

The Magpies’ boss, whose side entertain Welling United this afternoon (3pm), said: “Jake has done a lot of rehab but in truth Neil has done nothing to be left out of the squad.

“He’s been one or our most consistent players this season and has the shirt on merit.

“It may well be that I look to get Jake out on loan for a short period of time to get some games under his belt.

“He’s not far away but he needs games as he’s not had many since the end of last season. He also needs a run of games at a higher level than the reserves.

“I have already spoken to a club that are willing to take him so I may look to activate that very soon.”