AFTER injury kept him sidelined four years ago, Jake Smeeton is desperate to make up for lost time when Plymouth come to town this weekend.

The county town left-back, who joined the club in the summer of 2007, missed out on the Magpies’ last appearance in the first round of the FA Cup due to a foot injury.

And he could only watch as his team-mates held Oxford United to a replay before suffering extra-time heartache in the second meeting 10 days later.

But having recently returned to the starting line-up, following a five-month lay-off, the 24-year-old is fighting fit for the visit of Argyle.

Speaking to Echosport, Smeeton said: “I was out until the end of last season and it worked out as being five months since I last played.

“But getting a few games under my belt I can feel my fitness coming on and my sharpness coming back. I’m happier than I have been for a while.

“Unfortunately I was injured for both of the games against Oxford so for me this opportunity is a big thing. I’m just happy that I have worked my way back into the starting XI.

“It’s a massive game for the club, the fans and for us as players as well with the coverage that goes with it.

“We take each game as it comes but this is a big game and it’s one we are all looking forward to.

“Unfortunately last Saturday’s game with Tonbridge didn’t go our way but we will work on a few things and get ourselves up for this weekend.

“We played quite well at times and we had a lot of possession and pressure. But it was one of those days where things didn’t go for us. It’s out of the way now and we can just focus on tomorrow.”

The former Yeovil Town man went on to add: “We are going into it with our heads held high.

“We won’t feel intimidated. We are confident in our own ability and if we work hard and play as well as we know we can then we do stand a good chance.

“We are at home and if we turn up on the day we can get a result. The better teams often bring out the best in us. You know you have to be on it from start to finish and that makes a difference.”