Lewis Macleod has thrived since being allowed into full contact training at Brentford once again.
The midfielder has been beset by injury problems since arriving in January 2015 with recurring hamstring complaints limiting him to a few minutes in the 2015/16 season.
He started the campaign last term but suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury which ended his season in October.
The Scot could have been forgiven for wanting to kick the proverbial cat at that point but he has worked hard to get back and being tackled has helped raise his confidence further.
“I think the first thing for anyone who has had a major injury is getting back to full contact and being able to fall over. They're the tests you need to know you're right,” Smith said.
“He has had injury problems. He made his comeback from the hamstring injury and then he did his ACL against QPR.
“It's easy to get frustrated with life. He's knuckled down and worked hard in Philadelphia and with the medical staff. He's in physical contact in training. I think he wanted and needed that test and he's stepped it up.”
