ADAM Smith insists having three right-backs battling out for the same spot is "healthy for the squad" after he made his comeback from injury on Saturday.

Smith had been sidelined since defeat at Leicester in August with a hamstring problem, during which time both Jack Stacey and Simon Francis have shared duties on the right-hand side of the defence.

The 28-year-old played the full 90 minutes of the 0-0 draw with Norwich, with Francis on the bench and Stacey left out of the matchday 18.

"I think it's healthy for the squad," Smith told the Daily Echo.

"You've got to play to keep your shirt and you know that someone's waiting in behind you to take your place.

"Jack came in and got his chance and the team did well. He was unfortunate not to be involved on Saturday.

"There's me, Franno and Stace. In training we are against each other and going forward you know you have to perform every week."

Smith, who topped the Echo online man-of-the-match vote against the Canaries, added: "I felt knackered after 75 minutes to be honest, but I'm happy I got through injury free."