Smith wary of Miller shin problems

29 July 2010 10:01

Walter Smith admits he will have to be careful with Kenny Miller after the striker again suffered from shin splints during Wednesday's goalless friendly draw against Sydney.

Miller felt the problem had subsided after more than two weeks of pain but he was forced off after an hour of a match played in terrible conditions.

"Kenny came off with the same problem that has been bothering him and we just have to watch it doesn't become a chronic one," said Smith

"It's one of those things which is okay during the game but as soon as he stops it causes him a bit of pain.

"Hopefully we can get over the weekend's game because when we travel back he will then have a few days' recovery and he won't have to play against Clyde next midweek."

However, Smith allayed fears over Kyle Lafferty and Lee McCulloch, who both subsequently limped off as the game degenerated into a struggle against a waterlogged pitch.

"Kyle had a little bit of cramp in his calf as you'd expect because he did a lot of running tonight.

"He'll be okay and the same should apply to Lee and he just took a kick."

Source: PA