Smith returns is a big bonus for Lawlor in survival race 

Waterford FC interim head coach Matt Lawlor is delighted that he will have the services of Matty Smith for the remaining three games of the season after the attacker came on in the final minutes of the 2-0 win over Drogheda United.

Smith, who joined the club after winning the Premier League title with Shelbourne in 2024, underwent an operation for an injury that ruled him out until the 92nd minute of the game against Drogheda.

The 28-year-old was making his first appearance on the field since November of last year in a game that saw Shelbourne win the league title away to Derry City, but Lawlor was delighted to see him back on the pitch.

“It was great to ee him back on the pitch and he got some reception. It was unbelievable for him outside with the fans at the end and also in the dressing room. We’re all delighted for him because it has been a long road.

“The work's not done for him. He's not quite there. He's only trained a couple of weeks with the group. We kind of rushed him in because of the quality that he has, but we can't keep rushing him because it's obviously at risk.

“The mental and physical torture that he's gone through being told at times how serious the injury is and then being left in limbo. He fully deserved that reception.

“When he came on, even though he was blowing after about five or six minutes, it was all good for his hard work from the end. He’ll be a big player for us for the reminder of the season.”